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CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY: 



AN HISTORICAL SKETCH / ^S 



THE OLD PRESBYTEEIAN CONGREGATIONS 



CUMBERLAND AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES, 
IN PENNSYLVANIA. 



BY THE 



REV. ALFRED NEVIN, 

OP THE PRESBYTERY OF CARLISLE. 



"Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof. 
Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces, that ye may tell 
it to the generation following."— Ps. xlviii. 12, 13. 



PHILADELPHIA: 

JOSEPH M. WILSON, 

NO. 228 CHESTNUT STREET. 

1852. 

V 



Hi pert 

I ! -■ ' 

r. 



^'- 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S52, 

BY JOSEPH M. WILSON, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Eastern District of 
Pennsylvania. 



C. SHERMAN, PRINTER, 

19 St. James Street. 



THIS VOLUME IS DEDICATED 



PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 



PREFACE. 



The early history of the old Presbyterian Churches of 
Cumberland Valley is fast growing dim. Many of those 
in whose memories interesting facts and incidents were 
treasured, are now dead ; and others, to whom they were 
intrusted by tradition, are rapidly passing away. 

That it is desirable to have embodied in an accessible 
form, the recollections and records connected with the 
origin and progress of these venerable congregations, none, 
it is believed, will question, who appreciate the ties which 
bind them to the past, or the duty which they owe to the 
future. These churches, are almost the only relics of an- 
tiquity that are to be met with in our new country, and 
for this reason, to say nothing of their deep religious 
associations besides, an effort should be made to save 
them from oblivion. 

From the Presbyterial Records it is evident, that the 



VI PREFACE. 

importance of such a measure was felt at an early day. 
In 1792, each minister was ordered to prepare a history 
of his own church ; and in 1801, Dr. Cooper was appoint- 
ed to draw up a short history of the Presbytery of Car- 
lisle. That historical account, which was prepared ac- 
cording to injunction, is not now to be found. Neither is 
the book which contains the proceedings of Presbytery, 
from the year 1750 to 1759. It was borrowed, we have 
been told, by a gentleman in Virginia, and, after his death, 
was sought for in vain. 

When, therefore, in connexion with these facts, it is 
remembered that many of the unwritten reminiscences, 
from which an ecclesiastical history of this valley must be 
compiled, are now floating in minds which age must soon 
enfeeble or death remove out of the body, it cannot but 
be acknowledged, that the work which we have undertaken, 
however imperfectly accomplished, has not, at least, been 
prematurely attempted. 

It is unnecessary, perhaps, with the title of the volume 
in view, to state, that it was not our purpose to prepare a 
history of the Prcshytery to which the congregations re- 
ferred to, belong. This would have been a pleasing task. 
For in addition to the facts that this Presbytery, which is 
one of the oldest in the country, has several times changed 
its name and territorial limits, and has always occupied a 
high position, many of the churches which it now includeSj 
though not lying within the boundaries which we have 



PREFACE. VU 

affixed to our labour, possess as much interest, arc invested 
with as much importance, and deserve as extended a no- 
tice, as those whose rise and development we have 
sketched. We thought it best, however, to confine our 
effort principally to a more limited field ; and the re- 
collection of this, it is hoped, will prevent any expectation 
from our present effort, beyond what it legitimately pro- 
mises. 

We have, indeed, given, in a supplemental form, a very 
brief sketch of other congregations pertaining to the Pres- 
bytery, besides those which are embraced by the limits of 
Cumberland and Franklin Counties ; but this was done at 
the suggestion of an esteemed and judicious friend, after 
the announcement of our plan rendered any material alte- 
ration of it impracticable ; and will not, it is trusted, 
either be regarded as inconsistent with our primary intent, 
or lead to any misapprehension of it. 

We are free to say, that our great object in the enter- 
prise, has been the humble, but grateful one, of placing 
within the reach of those to whom veneration for departed 
ancestry, or long association, or present residence, has 
made Cumberland Valley a region of peculiar interest, 
such a record of its religious history as we supposed it 
would gratify them to read, as well as to hand down to 
their children. Many such there are, still worshipping 
where their fathers did, and meditating, at times, with 
deep solemnity over their last resting-place. Many more, 



Vlll PREFACE. 

too, are dwellers in the distant West, where, surrounded 
with new scenes, yet bound to old ones by ties that never 
can be broken, often with tender interest 



"Fond memory brings the light 
Of other days around" them. ' 



To these, we felt assured we could not render a more 
acceptable service, than furnishing them with a remem- 
brancer of the old churches with which their earliest re- 
collections are blended, and of the old graveyards in which 
many of their dearest friends are buried. 

In the preparation of the several sketches, great regard 
has been had to chronological accuracy, and, as we sup- 
pose, with about as much success as is attainable. But 
as the organizations of the old congregations were so 
nearly synchronous, we have not deemed it important to 
insert them in the order of time. On the Records of the 
Presbytery, kindly placed in our hands by the Stated 
Clerk, we have, of course, mainly relied for information. 
Several gentlemen also, however, among whom may be 
mentioned Dr. Moodey, Dr. M'Grinley, Hon. Geo. Cham- 
bers, Judge Clendenin, Dr. J. K. Davidson, John Cox, 
and L. H. Williams, Esqrs., have, by important data 
which they have supplied, brought us under obligations 
which we gratefully acknowledge. We have, too, been 
materially aided by Mr. I. D. Rupp's History of Cumber- 
land and Franklin Counties. Our indebtedness to other 
sources, is noticed in the proper place. 



PREFACE. IX 

We send the volume forth, confident that it is not, in 
many respects, what it should be, yet hoping that it may 
in some measure fulfil its design. We do so, likewise, 
with the assurance, that those who can form any idea of 
the difiiculty of its preparation, growing out of lost and 
faded records, and the sameness of material to be pre- 
sented, and the vagueness of traditions to be consulted, 
will regard it with much more readiness to appreciate any 
merit it may have, than to condemn the defects from 
which it does not claim to be free. 

Alfred Nevin. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



Reasons of the rapid Settlement of Pennsylvania — Extract from 
Dr. Williamson's " History of North Carolina" — Extract from 
Dr. Davidson's " History of the Presbyterian Church in Ken- 
tucky" — The Huguenots who settled in the Province of Penn- 
sylvania — The Welsh — The Germans — The English Puri- 
tans from New England — The Presbyterian Church formed 
out of these various Materials — The First Presbyterian 
Church that was organized and furnished with a place of 
worship in the American Colonies — The Constitution of a 
Synod in 1716 — Extent of the Presbytery of New Castle in 
a Western direction until 1732 — Presbytery of Donegal or- 
ganized in that year — Lancaster County originally embraced 
all the Territory west of the Susquehanna — First Settlement 
of the White Man across the "Long, Crooked River" — The 
Purchase of the Lands west of the Susquehanna by the Pro- 
prietary of Pennsylvania — The Establishment of Cumber- 
land and Franklin Counties — Applications by the Settlers to 
Presbytery to have the Gospel preached among them, . .13 



XU CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER II. 

MIDDLE SPRING CHURCH. 

Origin of the Name — Organization of the Congregation — Names 
of the First Elders — Extracts from the Session-Book — Rev. 
Mr. Blair the First Pastor— Rev. Mr. Calls and Rev. Mr. 
Clarke had previously been supplies — History of the Con- 
gregation not known from 1750 to 1759 — Rev. Robert Cooper 
becomes Pastor, and continues so until 1797 — Dr. Moodey's 
Letter concerning Dr. Cooper — Inscription on Dr. Cooper's 
Tomb — 'Rev. John Moodey is Dr. Cooper's Successor — Notice 
of the Church — The first Log Building erected for Worship 
— The second Log Building — Epitaph of John Reynolds, 
Esq. — Epitaph of Capt. Samuel Kearsley — Erection of the 
Old Stone Church — Poem written on a Visit to it — Congrega- 
tion not now as large as formerly — Reasons of the Change, 24 



CHAPTER III. 

BIG SPRING CHURCH. 

Originally called Hopewell — Rev. Thomas Craighead, First 
Pastor — Difficulty in regard to the erection of a Meeting- 
House — Mr. Craighead's Death — Mr. James Lyon supplied 
the Pulpit for some months — Big Spring connected with 
Rocky Spring and Middle Spring — Rev. George Duffield 
called to be Pastor of the Church — Rev. William Linn Mr. 
Duffield's Successor — Mr. Linn resigned his Charge in 1784, 
and was followed by the Rev. Samuel Wilson — Copy of the 
Call given to Mr. Wilson — Rev. Joshua Williams chosen 
Pastor in 1801 — Extracts from Two Obituaries of Dr. Wil- 
liams — Rev. Robert M'Cachren Dr. Williams's Successor — 
Names of Elders — The First Church at Big Spring — The 
present Edifice — The Graveyard, 48 



CONTENTS. Xlii 

CHAPTER IV. 

CHURCH AT silvers' SPRING. 

Name by which it was first known — Origin of the present 
Name — Gospel first preached in this Church by Rev. Alex- 
ander Craighead in 1734 — Rev. Samuel Thompson installed 
Pastor in 1739 — Extract from Presbyterial Records concern- 
ing Mr. Thompson — Mr. Thompson resigned his pastoral re- 
lation in 1745 — Suggestions in relation to the duty of Con- 
gregations to make provision for superannuated Pastors — 
Rev. Samuel Caven called to Lower Pennsborough in 1745 
— After Mr. Caven's Death the Rev. John Steel became his 
Successor — Copy of the Call given to Mr. Steel — Rev. Samuel 
Waugh Pastor of East Pennsborough and Monaghan in 1782 
— Sketch of his Character — Rev. John Hayes next called to 
the Pastorate of the Church — Rev. James Williamson— Rev. 
Geo. Morris — Present Church Edifice — The Building which 
preceded it — Epitaphs — Names of the present Members of 
Session, . . . . , • 1 . . . .63 

CHAPTER 

CHURCH IN MERCERS BURG. 

Period I. Introduction — Settlement of the Country — Church 
organized — Location of the Church Edifice — Religious Con- 
troversy — Origin of Lower West Conococheague Church — 
Rev. John Steel — Settlement broken up and the Congrega- 
tion dispersed — Mr. Steel's removal — The Church reor- 
ganized — Supplies — The Country again disturbed — Attach- 
ment to the Church — The Session, . . . . .77 

Period IL Rev. Dr. King becomes Pastor — Obedience to the 
Civil Magistrate — The War of Independence — The part that 
Dr. King takes in it — Becomes Chaplain — Address at a Meeting 

B 



XIV CONTENTS. 

of the Citizens convened to deliberate on the state of PubUc 
Affairs — Extract of a Sermon on the Death of General Mont- 
gomery — Address to Capt. Huston's Company — Extract of a 
Sermon — The Church bears its part in the Struggle — The 
Session — Mercersburg laid out — Church Edifice erected in 
Town — The Session — Dr. King resigns his Charge — Residt 
of Labours — His Conversion, Life, Character, and Death, . 83 

Period HL Rev. Dr. Elliott becomes Pastor — The Church at 
St. Thomas — The Session — The Sabbath School — The Social 
Prayer Meeting — New Church Edifi^ce — The Church's pros- 
perous state — A Change, and the causes thereof — The 
Church at Loudon — A Change in the Times — Deaths — The 
Session — The Female Domestic Missionary Society — Revival 
of Religion — Dr. Elliott resigns his Charge — Results of La- 
bour, . . . . . . . . . • . . ] IG 

Period IV. The Rev. Thomas Creigh becomes Pastor — Re- 
vival of Religion — The Female Sewing Society — The Ses- 
sion — Revival of Religion — The Church Edifice in Town, 
the Session, the Lecture-Room — Religious Controversy — The 
Pastor's Twentieth Anniversary Sermon — Changes and Re- 
sults — Concluding Remarks, . . . . . , 125 



CHAPTER VI. 

WELSH RUN CHURCH. 

Its Original Name — When and why organized — At an early 
period was supplied by a Rev. Mr. Dunlap-— Church was 
burnt by the Indians — Congregation at one time very nume- 
rous — Church was sometimes called " Tent Meeting-House" 
— Rev. Thos. McPherrin Pastor from 1774 until 1802 — Rev. 
Robert Kennedy Pastor subsequently — Congregation now 
greatly diminished, 135 



CONTENTS. XV 

CHAPTER VII. 

CHURCH AT CHAMBERSBUBG. 

Settlement of Col. Benjamin Chambers at " The Falling Spring" 
— The Families that subsequently settled there nearly all 
Presbyterians — Appropriation of ground by Col, Chambers 
for Church purposes — The first Log Building — The second 
Log Building — Deed of Conveyance for the Grounds dedi- 
cated to the Use of the Congregation — Congregation Incor- 
porated in 1787 — Present Church Edifice erected in 1803 — 
Congregation, after its organization, supplied for a time by 
Presbytery — The Rev. Messrs. Caven and Thompson its 
First Pastors — Rev. James Lang called to the Pastorate in 
1767 — Union between Congregations of East Conococheague 
and Falling Spring dissolved — Rev. William Speer becomes 
Pastor of Falling Spring — Mr. Speer resigned his Charge in 
1797_Rev. David Denny called in 1800— Notice of Mr. 
Denny — Mr. Denny was succeeded by Rev. William Adam 
in 1839— Rev. Daniel McKinley, Mr. Adam's Successor — 
Rev. Joseph Clarke the Present Pastor — ^The Church at 
Fayetteville — The Graveyard, 138 

CHAPTER VIII. 

CHURCH AT SHIPPENSBURG. 

The Settlement of the Place — Its Condition a Uttle more than 
a Century ago — The Associate Reformed Presbyterian one 
of the First Churches organized in the Town — Rev. Mr. 
Walker its Pastor — After him the Rev. Mr. Strong — Rev. 
Henry R. Wilson took charge of the Congregation in 1823 — 
Dr. Wilson resigned his Pastoral relation in 1839 — Obituary 
of Dr. Wilson — Rev. James Harper became Dr. Wilson's 
Successor in 1840 — Names of Elders of the Congregation — 
The Title to the Church brought into Litigation — A New 
Church erected by the Presbyterian Congregation — Descrip- 
tion of it and of the Gravevard, 154 



XVI CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER IX. 

GREENCASTLE CHURCH. 

Division of the Congregation of the Conococheague Settlement 
— East Conococheague and Falling Spring united — Rev. Mr. 
Caven Pastor of the Charge — Mr. Caven admonished by- 
Presbytery — Mr. Caven succeeded by the Rev. John Steel — 
The Rev. James Lang Pastor of East Conococheague and _ 
Falling Spring in 1769 — Regret expressed for the Neglect of ^ 
Sessions to keep Records — Notice of Presbytery's Failure to 
preserve Obituaries of Deceased Members — Union between 
East Conococheague and Falling Spring Congregations dis- 
solved, and Rev. Mr. Lang intrusted v^^ith sole Charge of the 
Former — Mr. Lang's Suspension from the Ministry — Rev. 
Robert Kennedy called to the Pastorate of East and Lower 
West Conococheague — Sketch of the History and Character 
of Mr. Kennedy — Mr. Kennedy succeeded by the Rev. 
James Buchanan — Notice of Mr, Buchanan — Rev. J. T. 
Marshall Davie Pastor of Greencastle and Hagerstown in 
1840 — Rev. T. V. Moore called to Pastorate of the Churches 
at Greencastle and Waynesboro' — Rev. W. M. Paxton settled 
over Congregation of Greencastle — Rev. Mr. Emerson the 

' present Pastor — Names of Ruling Elders Fifty Years ago, 
and at Present — Description of the " Old Red Meeting- 
House" — Description of the present Church Edifice, . . 162 



CHAPTER X. 

ROCKY SPRING CHURCH. 

Its Location — A Description of it — The Original Church with 
the addition made to it — The " Study House" — Mr. Craig- 
head the first Pastor — A Company raised by him to fight 
the Battles of the Country — Anecdote of an old Scotch Wo- 



CONTENTS. XVll 

man in the Congregation — Mr. Craighead's Death in 1799 — 
The Graveyard — Mr. Craighead's Tomb — Epitaphs — State 
of the Country as infested by Indians — Battle between Capt. 
Culbertson's Company and a Party of Indians — Account of 
Major James McCalmont — Other Epitaphs — Names of many 
who are buried in the Graveyard — Mr. Blair preached first 
at Rocky Spring — Names of the Persons to whom the War- 
rant of the Land on which the Old Church was built was 
Granted — Sketch of Mr. Craighead's History — Anecdote of 
him in the Battle-field — Dr. Herron becomes Pastor of the 
Congregation in 1800 — Dr. Herron's Labours — Dr. Herron 
succeeded by the Rev. John M'Knight, D.D. — Dr. M'Knight's 
Faithful and Useful Life terminated in 1823 — His Successor 
was his Son — The Rev. Dr. John M'Knight — The Rev. A. 
K. Nelson, Pastor at present — The Church once numerously 
but now sparsely attended — Patriotism a predominant fea- 
ture in the Early Presbyterians of Cumberland Valley — The 
Congregation rapidly diminishing, , . . . .176 



CHAPTER XL 

PATH VALLEY CHURCHES. 

Settlement of Path Valley — Extract from Letter of Richard 
Peters to Gov. Hamilton, in relation to it — Legal Proceedings 
in the Matter — FirsJ; Preaching by a Presbyterian Minister 
in the Valley in 17G7 — Difficulty among the People about the 
Situation of their Meeting-House — Rev. Samuel Dougall's 
acceptance and resignation of the Pastorate of " Upper Tus- 
carora" and " Path Valley" Congregations — Mr. Dougall suc- 
ceeded by Rev. David Denny — Rev. Amos A. M'Ginley be- 
comes Pastor of the Congregations in 1802. and continues to 
be so until 1851 — The Pastors of the Churches at present — 
Statistic Information of the Congregations from the year 
1802 219 



XVlll CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XII. 

DICKINSON CHURCH. 

Necessity for its Organization — First Notice of it on Records of 
Presbytery for 1810 — Rev. Henry R. Wilson first supplied it 
— Congregation fully organized in 1823 — No Regular Wor- 
ship until 1826 — Rev. M'Knight Williamson at that time be- 
came its Pastor, and continued to be so until 1834 — Mr. Wil- 
liamson was succeeded by Rev. Charles P. Cummins — Rev. 
O. O. M'Lean accepted the Pastorate in 1844 — Names of 
Elders of the Congregation — Some Account of the Church 
Edifice, and the present condition of the Congregation, . 228 



CHAPTER XIII. 

CHURCH AT CARLISLE. 

Log Church erected on Conodoguinett Creek in 1736 — Rev. 
Samuel Thompson the First Pastor — Messrs. Craighead and 
Caven probably laboured there before him — Mr. Thompson 
resigned his Charge in 1748 — Difficulty with the People of 
Hopewell about the erection of their Meeting-House — Church 
built in Carlisle — License from Gov. Hamilton to raise money 
by Lottery for that purpose — Rev. Geo. Duffield called to 
Carlisle and Big Spring in 1759 — Rev. John Steel called by 
Carlisle and East Pennsboro' Congregations in 1764 — Dr. 
Robert Davidson called to Carlisle in 1785 — Rev. Geo. Duf- 
field becomes Pastor in 1816 — Trial of Mr. Duffield for al- 
leged Doctrinal Errors in his Work on Regeneration — Issue 
of the Case — Action of Synod in relation to Presbytery's 
final vote in regard to Mr. Duffield and his Book — Second 
Presbyterian Church organized — Rev. Daniel M'Kinley call- 
ed to be its Pastor — Mr. Duffield resigns his Charge — Rev. 
Mr. Sprole is his Successor — Rev. Alex. T. M"Gill called to 
Second Church — First Church stricken from the Roll of Pres- 



CONTENTS. XIX 

bytery — Mr. M'Gill's Pastoral relation dissolved — Rev. Thos. 
V. Moore called to Second Church — Mr. Moore resigns his 
Charge — Rev. Mr. Lillie is his Successor — Rev. M. E. John- 
ston the present Pastor, ....... 233 

SUPPLEMENT. 

Paxton and Derry Churches — Monaghan and Petersburg 
Churches — Lower Marsh Creek Church — Church at Gettys- 
burg — Churches at Bedford and Schellsburg — The Churches . 
of M'Connellsburg, Green Hill, and Wells' Valley — Church 
at Cumberland, Md. — Hagerstown Church — Church at Sher- 
man's Creek — Mouth of Juniata and Millerstown — Landis- 
burg, Bloomfield, and Buffalo, ...... 255 

APPENDIX I. 

Call from the Big Spring Congregation to the Rev. Samuel 
Wilson, 323 

APPENDIX II. 

Call from the Congregations of Carlisle and Lower Pennsboro' 
to the Rev. John Steel, 327 

APPENDIX III. 

Some Account of the Schism in the Presbyterian Church of 
this Country, a Century ago, . . . . . .329 

APPENDIX IV. 

History of the Franklin County Bible Society, .... 337 



CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 



CHAPTER I. 

INTRODUCTORY. 

Pennsylvania was settled more rapidly than any 
of the colonies. Among other causes of this, the 
salubrity of its climate, and the fertility of its soil, 
stand prominent. The speedy increase of population 
within its limits, however, is mainly to be attributed 
to the religious toleration which was secured to the 
colony, by its charter and its fundamental laws. 

''The persecution of the Quakers and other re- 
ligious denominations, during the reign of Charles IL, 
and especially during that of his successor, the in- 
tolerance exercised by the Papists over the Protestants 
of Europe, and the overbearing or persecuting spirit, 
on religious accounts, in many of the other colonies, 
as contrasted with the liberality of the Quakers of 
Pennsylvania, who were disposed to open their arms 
to all denominations of professing Christians who 
might be inclined to settle among them, induced the 

2 



14 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

flocking of men by tens, by hundreds, and by thou- 
sands, to a place where man pretended not to assume 
the prerogatives of Deity ; nor judge, condemn, and 
punish in his stead." 

" What sought they thus afar? 

Bright jewels of the mine ? 
The wealth of seas, the spoils of war ? — 

They sought a faith's pure shrine ! 
Ay, call it holy ground. 

The soil where first they trod ! 
They have left unstained what there they found — 

Freedom to worship God." 



We could not, perhaps, throw more light upon the 
early settlers in Pennsylvania, than by presenting 
the following extracts from reliable sources. 

" Referring to those who migrated hither from the 
North of Ireland, and who were chiefly Presbyterians, 
Dr. Williamson, in his ' History of North Carolina,' 
says : ' The greater number of those people or their 
ancestors, had formerly removed from Scotland. 
But they were treated, after a short residence in Ire- 
land, with much ingratitude and neglect ; wherefore 
they sought refuge in America. The Earls of Tyrone 
and Tyrconnel, in the province of Ulster, having 
conspired against the government in the reign of 
James the First, fled from the kingdom to escape 
punishment. Some of their accomplices were arrested, 
condemned, and executed, but the two Earls were at- 
tainted by a process of outlawry, upon which their 



INTRODUCTION. 15 

vast estates, about five hundred thousand acres of 
land, escheated to the Crown. King James resolved, 
if possible, to improve a country that was covered by 
woods, desolated by war, infested by robbers, or in- 
habited by ignorant adherents to the Romish Church. 
For this purpose he divided the escheated lands into 
small tracts, and those he gave to adventurers, who 
were to settle them within four years, with a certain 
number of sub-tenants. According to his advice, the 
preference was given, in distributing the lands, to 
adventurers from the west of Scotland. They were 
Protestants from his own country. They were in- 
dustrious people, and the passage being very short, 
they might, with the greater ease, settle the lands 
according to their contracts. The establishment of 
prelacy in Scotland, in the year 1637, and afterwards 
in the year 1661, among people who had adopted 
the more simple form of Presbyterian worship, be- 
came the additional cause of numerous emigrations 
from that kingdom to the North of Ireland. 

" ' The superior knowledge, industry, and temperance 
of the Scotch farmers, in a short time enabled them 
to supplant the natives among whom they lived, and 
six of the northern counties, by the end of the seven- 
teenth century, were chiefly inhabited by the descen- 
dants of Scottish emigrants, or the remains of Crom-_ 
well's army. That Protestant colony has been the 
chief support of government against all attempts to 
establish a Catholic prince, by treason, insurrection, 
or murder. Those men have been the steady and 



16 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

active supporters of the Hanover succession. Their 
faithful services, and uniform attachment to govern- 
ment, had placed them in the rank of good and faith- 
ful subjects, and their unshaken loyalty had entitled 
them to confidence and public favour. But they 
"vvere treated like aliens and strangers, with marks of 
distrust in their civil capacity ; and they were de- 
pressed in their religious capacity, by the spirit of 
intolerance, because they w^ere not of the established 
Church of Ireland. Men who were thus degraded 
and vexed by incapacities and burdens, migrated in 
thousands to Pennsylvania ; a province in which the 
principles of civil and religious liberty had their full 
operation.' 

"'In England,' says Dr. Davidson,* 'ever since 
the memorable St. Bartholomew's day, all eyes had 
been anxiously directed to the Transatlantic settle- 
ments, notwithstanding they were as yet a wilderness ; 
and while some fled to Holland, a great number, 
together with many of the ejected ministers, betook 
themselves to New England, Pennsylvania, and other 
American plantations. In Scotland, fines, imprison- 
ments, and whippings, were abundant from 1662, 
when the Act of Conformity was passed, until 1688, 
when the Act of Toleration gave relief under the 
Presbyterian Prince of Orange. The Western and 
Southern Counties, which, according to Hume, were 
the most populous and thriving, were the most ob- 

* History of the Presbyterian Cliurch in Kentucky. 



INTRODUCTION. 17 

noxious, and the severity of the persecutions sur- 
passed, in the judgment of Bishop Burnet, the merci- 
less rigours of the Duke of Alva. Many sold their 
estates and crossed over to the Scots of Ulster, 
where, for a time unrestricted liberty was allowed. 
But the arm of intolerance soon followed them to this 
retreat, and the hunted-down non-conformists felt 
that they had no resource short of absolute expatria- 
tion. In order that the fury of the prelates might 
have full sweep, the Presbyterians and their ejected 
ministers were forbidden to fly into Scotland to avoid 
it. Of these ejected ministers, both in Scotland and 
Ireland, Wodrow gives a catalogue amounting to four 
hundred. 

" ' In consequence of the persecutions of 1679,1682, 
and 1685, crowds of voluntary exiles sought an 
asylum in East New Jersey, Carolina, and Maryland. 
The North of Ireland shared in the general drain. 
The arbitrary measures pursued by James II., together 
with apprehensions of a general massacre by the Pa- 
pists, emboldened as they were by the undisguised 
partiality of the king, caused such multitudes de- 
spairing of safety, to fly to foreign climes, that trade 
declined, and the revenue languished. Successive 
emigrations from the North of Ireland continued to 
pour into Pennsylvania in such numbers that by the 
year 1705, there were sufficient Presbyterian churches 
in that province, in conjunction with those of the 
provinces contiguous, to constitute a presbytery, and 
a few years later (1717), a synod." 

2* 



18 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

Prominent among these ''voluntary exiles," were 
the Huguenots, or French Protestants. The perse- 
cutions to which they were exposed during the reign 
of Louis XIV., consummated by the revocation of the 
Edict of Nantes in 1685, drove hundreds of thousands 
of those unhappy people from their native country.^ 
Though the frontiers were vigilantly guarded, upwards 
of five hundred thousand of them made their escape. 
They fled to Switzerland, Germany, Holland, and 
England, and large numbers of them came to this 
country. It is true that their principal location here, 
was in the Southern States, yet scattered emigrants 
fixed themselves in greater or less numbers, in the 
provinces of Pennsylvania and Maryland. 

" The Welsh, also, from their numbers, deserve 
particular notice. The principal settlement of them 
at an early period, was upon the left bank of the 
Schuylkill. They there occupied three townships, 
and in a few years their numbers so increased that 
they obtained three additional townships." 

Nor must the German settlers in Pennsylvania, by 
any means be overlooked in this enumeration. Their 
emigration commenced as early as 1682 or 1683, and 
very rapidly increased. Erom 1730 to 1740, about 
sixty-five vessels, well filled with Germans, arrived 
at Philadelphia, bringing with them ministers of the 
Gospel and schoolmasters, to instruct their children. 
From 1740 to 1755, upwards of one hundred vessels 
arrived, which were filled with emigrants of the same 
nation, and in some of which, though small, there 



INTRODUCTION. 19 

were between five and six hundred passengers. With 
regard to the Germans in Pennsylvania, Mr. Andrews, 
in a letter dated October 14, 1730, says, " There is, 
besides, in this province a vast number of Palatines, 
and they come in still every year. Those that have 
come of late are mostly Presbyterian, or as they call 
themselves. Reformed ; the Palatinate being about 
three-fifths of that sort of people." "There are 
many Lutherans and some Reformed, mixed among 
them. In other parts of the country, they are 
chiefly Reformed, so that I suppose the Presbyterian 
party are as numerous as the Quakers, or near it." 

Such, then, were the materials, out of which the 
Presbyterian Church in Pennsylvania was formed. 
The English Puritans, many of whom, with an adven- 
turous spirit, left their home in New England, and lo- 
cated in this province "were all Calvinists, and many 
of them Presbyterians. The Dutch were Calvinists 
and Presbyterians ; a moiety at least of the Germans 
were of the same class. All the French Protestants 
were Calvinists and Presbyterians ; and so, of course, 
were the Scotch and Irish. Of these several classes, 
the Dutch and Germans formed distinct ecclesiastical 
organizations, and subsist as such to the present 
time. In a multitude of cases, however, their descen- 
dants mingled with the descendants of other Presby- 
terians, and have entered largely into the materials 
of which our church is composed." 

" As they merged their diversities of national cha- 
racter into that of American citizens," adds Dr. 



20 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

Hodge,* ''so the Scotch, Irish, French, English, 
Dutch, and German Presbyterians became united, in 
thousands of instances, in the American Presbyterian 
Church. Having the same views of civil government, 
our population, so diversified as to its origin, forms a 
harmonious civil society, and agreeing in opinion on 
the government of the church, the various classes 
above specified formed a religious society, in which 
the diiference of their origin was as little regarded as 
it was in the state." 

So far as is now known, the first Presbyterian 
Church that was organized and furnished with a place 
of worship in the American Colonies, was in the city 
of Philadelphia. This took place about the year 
1703. The next year a Presbytery was formed, 
under the title of the Presbytery of Philadelphia. 

As early as 1716, the Presbyterian body had so 
far increased, that a Synod was constituted, com- 
prising four Presbyteries. These Presbyteries bore 
the following titles : — 1. The Presbytery of PJiila- 
delphia. 2. The Presbytery of New Castle. 3. The 
Presbytery of Snow-Hill. 4. The Presbytery of 
Long Island. 

"After the formation of the Synod, in 1716, the 
body went on increasing, receiving additions, not 
only by emigrants from Scotland and Ireland, but 
also from natives of England and Wales,- who came 
to the Middle Colonies, and were thrown by cir- 

* History of the Presbyterian Church, Part I., p. 69. 



INTRODUCTION. 21 

cumstances in the neighbourhood of Presbyterian 
churches, and also from natives, or their descendants, 
of France, Holland, and Switzerland, who preferred 
the Presbyterian form of worship or government. 
To these may be added a number from New England, 
who were induced by local considerations, or other 
circumstances, to connect themselves with the Pres- 
byterian body."* 

Up to the year IT 32, at which time there were 
about fifteen or sixteen Presbyterian churches in 
Pennsylvania, the ^'Presbytery of New Castle" seems 
to have covered all the territory reaching to the 
Susquehanna. In September of that year the Pres- 
bytery of Donegal was organized, and to it the juris- 
diction over this portion of the State was committed. 

As is generally known, the limits of Lancaster, 
one of the first three counties organized in the pro- 
vince, were then so comprehensive as to embrace all 
the territory west and north of Chester County, be- 
tween the Schuylkill, north of the boundary line of 
Chester, and the Susquehanna, and all west of the 
Susquehanna. 

About a year or two before the erection of the 
Presbytery of Donegal, it was, that the first visits 
of the white man, with a view^ to residence, were 
made to the deep, dark forests which stretched be- 
yond the river just named, and which abounded with 

* Dr. Miller's article on "Pres. Ch. in United States," Ency. 
Relig. Know. 



22 CHUB. CUES OF THE VALLEY. 

beasts of prey, and, to some extent, as the sequel 
proved, with still more savage men. 

In 1730-1, some Irish and Scotch adventurers 
crossed the Susquehanna at Peixtan, Peshtank, or 
Paxton, and commenced settlements in the "Kit- 
tochtinny Valley," or "North Valley," at Falling 
Springs, and other places, till they extended from 
the "Long, Crooked River" to the Maryland pro- 
vince ; about the year 1736. 

As the lands west of the Susquehanna were not 
purchased by the Proprietary of Pennsylvania from 
the Indians before October, 1736, the Land Office 
was not open for the sale of them under existing 
laws, and the settlements, made on such lands before 
this purchase, were by special license to individuals 
from Samuel Blunston, or other proprietary agents, 
and were of limited number. After the office was 
open, however, for the unrestricted sale of lands on 
the waters of the Conodoguinett and Conococheague, 
at the close of 1736, the applications and grants for 
the district then multiplied ; and the influx of settlers 
from Lancaster County, Ireland, and Scotland, was 
great, in the succeeding two or three years, nearly 
all of whom were Presbyterians. 

Thus, by energy and intrepidity, which cannot be 
looked for except among men who have been schooled 
by difficulties and accustomed to perils, was posses- 
sion taken, by our pioneer ancestry, of the rich and 
beautiful valley which their descendants now inherit, 
and which is at present embraced within the limits of 



INTRODUCTION. 23 

Cumberland and Franklin Counties, the former of 
which was established in 1750, and the latter in 1784. 
How changed the scene ! How different an aspect 
this universally-admired region now wears, from that 
which it presented a little more than a century ago, 
when it stood in its wildness and its gloom ! 

*' Look now abroad, — another race has filled 

Those populous borders ; wide the wood recedes, 
And towns shoot up, and fertile realms are tilled ; 
The land is full of harvests and green meads." 

One of the first arrangements made by the primi- 
tive settlers "west of the Susquehanna," was to have 
the Gospel preached in their midst. They had been, 
most of them, reared in the religious element. They 
had been taught to worship God. Nor was the 
sacred lesson of duty to the Father of Mercies, which 
they had received in their earlier years, forgotten by 
them, even amidst the hardships and perils of a life 
in the wilderness. 

We find, accordingly, very early applications, or 
"supplications" (as the Records say), presented by 
them to the Presbytery, for ministers to be sent 
among them, to break unto them the Bread of Life ; 
and in the results which soon followed the labours of 
these servants of God, we have the beginnings or 
germs of the congregations whose history is now 
succinctly to be given. 



24 



CHAPTER 11. 

MIDDLE SPRING CHURCH. 

For some reason, probably from a regard to con- 
venience, nearly all the old Presbyterian churches of 
Cumberland Valley were erected near a spring or 
stream of water, and from their location they derived 
their name. It is difficult at this late day to deter- 
mine precisely why it was that Middle Spring re- 
ceived its distinctive appellation ; but it is to be ac- 
counted for, as we suppose, by the equidistance of its 
position from Big Spring on the east, and Rocky 
Spring on the west, with the congregations of both 
of which it was originally connected, in the constitu- 
tion of a pastoral charge. 

Of the exact date of the origin of this congrega- 
tion no record has been preserved, neither can it be 
ascertained from any other source. Some light, 
however, is thrown upon this point by the following 
statement, which is found in the minutes of a meet- 
ing of the Presbytery of Donegal, held at ''Pacque, 
8ber 17th, 1738." 

" Robert Henry, a Commissioner from Hopewell, 
complained that the people of Falling Spring are 



MIDDLE SPRING CHURCH. 25 

about to encroach on Hopewell Congregation. Or- 
dered, that representatives from both attend our 
next, that Presbytery may judge of said complaint." 

As Big Spring was, at that time, called Hopewell, 
it would appear from this record that the congrega- 
tion of Middle Spring, occupying an intermedial po- 
sition between it and the church at Falling Spring, 
could not then have been organized, otherwise it, 
also, would be found in the same attitude of com- 
plaint. The probability, then, is, from this circum- 
stance, and some others which need not be specified, 
that this congregation came into existence about the 
year 1740. Antecedently to this date, Middle Spring 
was a preaching-place, and was frequently favoured 
with ministerial service by neighbouring pastors, as 
well as by supplies under appointment of Presbytery ; 
but not until that time was a congregation regularly 
organized. 

We have examined with care the earliest records 
of the congregation now to be found, and probably 
the first ever written, which go back to 1742 ; but 
they consist almost exclusively of sessional proceed- 
ings. The following is a literal transcript of the 
title-page : 

"A Session-Book, for the use of the Session of 
the Congregation of Middle Spring. Bought for the 
above-mentioned use, men. Decembris, Anno Dom. 
1745. 2 Chron. xix. 8, 9 : Moreover, in Jerusalem 
did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and of the priests, 
and of the chiefs of the fathers of Israel, for the 



26 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

judgment of the Lord, and for controversies when 
they returned to Jerusalem. And he charged them, 
saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the Lord, 
faithfully and with a perfect heart." 

In these Records we find mention made of the fol- 
lowing names of elders of the congregation : Allen 
Killough, John M'Kee, David Herron, John Rey- 
nolds, ordained 1742. John Finley, William Ander- 
son, Robert M'Comb, ordained 1744. John Maclay, 
ordained 1747. 

The subjoined extracts from this ancient book may 
be of interest. " 1744. The Session condemn D. 
S.'s manner of expressing himself, as being very un- 
tender to his neighbour's character ; and appoint the 
Moderator to occasion to warn their people against 
speaking abroad slanderous reports upon neighbours, 
either privately, or more publicly in company, and 
more especially when they have no solid grounds for, 
or knowledge of them ; — as being very inconscien- 
tious, discovering a willingness or disposition to take 
up an ill report, a breach of the ninth commandment, 
in backbiting their neighbour, wounding to religion, 
having a tendency to fill the minds of people with 
jealousies, and thereby exposing Church judicatories, 
oftentimes, to reflections, as tho' they covered sin, 
when upon tryal they can't find guilt." 

"J. R. table'd a complaint against Catherine P. 
his former servant, for some pieces of malconduct. 
The Session having examined S. R. and R. L. find 
from their Evidence that said P. has behaved herself 



MIDDLE SPRING CHURCH. 27 

undutifully in resisting her Mistress, and imprecating 
vengeance upon her, and Ij'd in reporting that she 
beg'd a little Respite of her Mistress. The Session 
Judge that C. P. shall acknowledge her Fault to her 
Master and Mistress in the offence she has given 
them, in the Respects aforesaid, and be rebuk'd in 
the Session, for the contradiction she has hereby 
given to her religious Profession." 

"1746. J. P. was cited to the Session for taking 
venison from an Indian, and giving him Meal and 
Butter for it on the Sabbath Day. 

" J. P. appeared, and acknowledged that being at 
home one Sabbath Day, he heard a gun go off twice 
quickly after each other, and said he would go out 
and see w^ho it was ; his wife dissuading him, he said 
he would go and see if he could hear the Horse-bell : 
having gone a little way he saw an Indian, who had 
just killed a Fawn and dressed it: the Indian coming 
towards the house with him, to get some victuals, 
having, he said, eat nothing that morning, he saw a 
Deer, and shot it, and charg'd and shot again at 
another, which ran away ; said P. stood by the Indian 
until he skin'd the Deer ; when he had done, he told 
said P. he might take it in if he wou'd, for he would 
take no more with him, upon which, said P. and W. 
K., who then had come to them, took it up, and carry'd 
it in ; when he had given the Indian his Breakfast, 
said Indian ask'd if he had any meal ; he said he had, 
and gave him some ; then the Indian ask'd for But- 
ter, and asking his wife about it, he gave the Indian 



28 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

some ; but he denies that he gave these things as a 
Reward for the Venison, inasmuch as they had made 
no Bargain about it. 

" The Session Judge that J. P. do acknowledge his 
Breach of Sabbath in this Matter, and be rebuk'd 
before the Session for his Sin." 

The "Moderator" referred to in the first of these 
extracts, was the Rev. Mr. Blair, who, it appears, 
was the minister of the Rocky Spring, Middle Spring, 
and Big Spring Congregations, and divided his time 
equally between them. How long Mr. Blair sus- 
tained this relation we are not able to say, but when 
it was dissolved, we have been informed, he went to 
the city of New York. This gentleman was highly 
esteemed by the Congregation for his piety and his 
learning. As a proof of their affection for him, they 
conveyed to him by deed, a farm belonging to them, 
which lay near to the church, and contained about 
two hundred and fifty acres. Two years after this, 
however, for some reason not now known, he resigned 
his charge, and the farm was sold. Mr. Blair was 
preceded in his labours at Middle Spring, by the 
Rev. Mr. Calls, of Ireland, and the Rev. Mr. Clarke, 
iOf Scotland, each of whom, with the sanction of 
Presbytery, served the Congregation about six months 
or a year. 

At a sessional meeting, Sept. 3, 1744 we find 
mention made of the ''Rev. Mr. Robinson" as being 
present. After this, notwithstanding the minutes of 
Session continue until 1748, there is no reference in 



MIDDLE SPRING CHURCH. 29 

them at all, either to preaching or a Pastor. By 
reason of this fact, consequently, as well as the 
chasm in the Minutes of Presbytery, which, as 
already stated, reaches from 1750 to 1759, that por- 
tion of the history of Middle Spring is a blank. 
Nothing can be learned of the supply of the pulpit, 
or of any arrangements in regard to it, until in 1760, 
a commissioner from the congregation lays a call 
before the Presbytery "requesting their concurrence 
to said call's being presented to the Rev. Mr. Car- 
michael of New Brunswick Presbytery." This call, 
if it was ever prosecuted, was not accepted. 

We now reach the time when Dr. Cooper was 
called to the pastorate of Middle Spring. Of this 
there is the following record on the Minutes of Pres- 
bytery, May 23d, 1765. "A call was brought in 
from the congregation of Middle Spring to Mr. 
Robert Cooper, Probationer, and a supplication to 
the Presbytery, praying them to present said call, 
and to allow Mr. Cooper as their constant supply 
till next Presbytery, if his way be not now clear to 
accept their call. Said call was accordingly pre- 
sented, and Mr. Cooper desir'd time to consider of it, 
as he cannot see his way at present clear either to 
accept or refuse it." "Messrs. Campble, Esq., and 
Benjamin Blythe, commissioners from Middle Spring 
Congregation, inform the Presbytery that the con- 
gregation will make good to him the sum of one hun- 
dred pounds currency per annum." Mr. Cooper ac- 
cepted the call in October of the same year, and at 

3* 



30 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

the same time declined a call from " Tuscarora in 
Virginia." 

The following letter concerning Dr. Cooper is from 
the pen of his venerable successor. 

*' Shippensburg, May 20th, 1852. 

" Rev. and respected Brother, — 

" In reply to your request I have to say, that my 
acquaintance with Dr. Robert Cooper, was not until 
a late period of his life. Our places of residence 
were fully fifty miles apart. I do not recollect that 
I ever had the pleasure of seeing him, until October, 
1799, — two years and a half after his pastoral re- 
lation to the church at Middle Spring was dissolved, 
and some months after I had commenced my theo- 
logical studies. This meeting was at a Presbytery 
convened at Derry Church, for the ordination and in- 
stallation of Dr. Joshua Williams. My acquaintance 
Avith him then, was limited to what I saw and heard 
in the transaction of presbyterial business. 

" On the following April I presented myself, and 
was received on trial by the Presbytery of Carlisle, 
nor had I any intercourse with Dr. Cooper, except 
at presbyterial meetings, until I was licensed to 
preach, October 9th, 1801. From that time I al- 
ways spent at his house a portion of my time, when 
appointed to preach at Middle Spring, and frequently 
called and spent a day and night on my Avay to 
preach at other places. 

" I always found him very hospitable, — a kind, 



MIDDLE SPRING CHURCH. 31 

friendly, and instructive companion ; and I have no 
doubt that he was truly pious. That he stood high 
in the opinion of his brethren of the Synods of New 
York and Philadelphia, then the supreme judicatory 
of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, 
would appear from the fact, that he was appointed 
on a committee, with others, among the most cele- 
brated divines of the day, ' to take into considera- 
tion the constitution of the Church of Scotland and 
other Protestant churches, and, agreeably to the ge»- 
neral principles of Presbyterian government, com- 
plete a system of general rules for the government 
of the Synod and the several Presbyteries under 
their inspection, and the people in their communion.' 

"I have not heard Dr. Cooper preach very often, 
only a few times at Middle Spring, after my settle- 
ment there, and on a few occasions elsewhere. As 
to his preaching, in the latter part of his life, he ap- 
peared not to aim at display of talents and oratory, 
but to be instructive and practical. Before his set- 
tlement at Middle Spring, it appears, from the Pres- 
byterial Records, that, for some reason, he was highly 
prized, and his preaching much sought after by the 
churches. 

"I think I never saw but one sermon of his fully 
written out, and some two or three skeletons, though 
I have reason to believe he had, in his time, written 
a number in full. I do not remember ever to have 
seen him use any notes in the pulpit, and I believe 
he seldom, if ever, did. I heard him on one occa- 



32 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

sion, in a sermon, declaiming Avith severity against 
reading sermons. 

" His literary attainments were very respectable, 
though his education was not commenced in early 
life. He must, I suppose, have been upwards of 
thirty years of age when he entered the ministry. 
Being gifted with a strong and sound mind, he was 
judicious, well-informed in Theology, a sound Calvin- 
ist, and always ready to give his views on any subject 
proposed. A number of young men of very respec- 
table standing in the ministry, studied Theology 
under his direction ; among whom were Dr. Joshua 
Williams, of Newville, and Dr. Herron, of Pittsburg. 
Except a few articles in the newspapers of the day, 
he never, so far as I know, published anything but 
a small pamphlet on Prophecy, entitled ' The Signs 
of the Times.' 

" I may add that I am Dr. Cooper's successor in 
the church at Middle Spring, — the first and only 
pastor of it since his time. After a vacancy of six 
years, during which the congregation was well sup- 
plied, by members of the Presbytery and a number 
of very respectable licentiates, with the preaching of 
the gospel and the administration of Divine ordi- 
nances, a call was given to me, April 12th, 1803, 
which was accepted. On the 5th October, 1803, I 
was ordained, and installed Pastor of that church, 
and here I am until this day. 

" The following dates I take from the Records of 
Presbytery : 



MIDDLE SPRING CHUECH. 33 

" ' Dr. Cooper graduated at Princeton, 1T63 ; was 
licensed to preach, Feb. 22d, 1765 ; was ordained 
and installed at Middle Spring, Nov. 21st, 1765 ; 
resigned his pastoral relation, Ap. 12th, 1797 ; de- 
parted this life, April 5th, 1805.' 

"Very sincerely, 
" Your friend and brother in the Gospel, 

"John Moodey." 

Dr. Cooper's remains are buried in the "Lower 
Graveyard" of the church, and on his tombstone is 
this inscription : — 

" In memory of Rev. Robert Cooper, D.D., Pastor 
of the Congregation of Middle Spring nearly forty 
years, who departed this life a.d. 1805, aged 73 
years. Also, his surviving partner, Elizabeth Cooper, 
who deceased a.d. 1829, aged nearly 86 years. 

" De quibus qui nunc vivunt et audiverunt vene- 
rantur, qui contemporales noverunt, plerique mortui 
sunt." 

As there is some discrepancy between the state- 
ment of Dr. Moodey, as to the length of time Dr. 
Cooper was pastor of Middle Spring, and the record 
of this that is made on his tombstone, it is probable 
that in the latter case the time is estimated from the 
date of Dr. Cooper's acceptance of the call, to his 
deaths instead of to the dissolution of his pastoral 
relation, as it should have been.* 

* The following extract from a letter from Jonathan K. Cooper, 
Esq., of Peoria, 111. (a grandson of Dr. Cooper), is here in place. 



34 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

As we have already had occasion to notice, the 
Rev. John Moodey, a native of Dauphin County, in 
this State, — who, after he graduated in Princeton 
College in 1796, studied Theology under the direc- 
tion of the Rev. James Snodgrass, — succeeded Dr. 
Cooper as pastor of Middle Spring. Mr. Moodey 
was called, and ordained, and installed, in 1803, and 
there he has ever since remained, notwithstanding 
the frequent sundering of pastoral relations that has 
taken place around him. 

Dr. Moodey, who was born July 4th, 1776, is 
now, of course, far advanced in life. To him have 
been allotted, by a kind Providence, more than 
threescore years and ten. He stands as the repre- 
sentative of a generation which will soon have en- 
tirely disappeared. But one now lives in connexion 
with the Presbytery, that belonged to it at his recep- 
tion ; and most of the oldest members of his congre- 
gation are either those whom he baptized in their 

*' The cause of my grandfather's retiring from the active duties 
of his charge was, as perhaps you are aware, a strange, brooding 
melancholy (occasioned, as it was found, by a dropsical habit of 
body), which, for a season, whelmed his mind in gloom, and 
made him doubt, not merely his fitness for the station he filled, 
but the sufficiency of the hope in which he had himself trusted. 
With returning health, his confidence and hope were restored, 
and he experienced again a bright sunshine of the soul, during 
which he travelled extensively, and preached in the newly- 
settled and mountainous parts of Pennsylvania and Virginia, as 
a sort of missionary, still residing, however, on his farm in the 
bounds of Middle Spring, and, I presume, occasionally offici- 
ating." 



MIDDLE SPRING CHURCH. 35 

infancy, or whose memory cannot reach beyond his 
ministry. Few, indeed, remain, who witnessed his 
installation. They have nearly all been removed by 
death, and now sleep either in the graveyard of the 
church in which they worshipped, or in some distant 
part of the country in Avhich they settled and died. 

To say of the pastoral relation which has for half 
a century subsisted at Middle Spring, that it has 
been marked with peace, would be but to affirm what 
truth demands. To say, also, of Dr. Moodey, that 
his long life has been one of Christian consistency 
and large usefulness, would be only to utter a testi- 
mony which none that have known him would hesi- 
tate to endorse. For fifty years he has gone in and 
out before his people, preaching to them, though 
always changing, a gospel that changes not, and 
exhibiting to them an example of calm, steady, and 
trustful devotion to the service of God. As a 
preacher, he has ever had an excellent reputation, 
and been regarded as a logical, instructive, and able 
expounder of the truth as it is in Jesus. With him 
there never have been the flourishes of oratory, or 
flashes of fancy, or eff'orts after novelty, which so 
often attract without permanently pleasing ; but his 
ministry has ever been characterized by a plain, 
manly, and solemn exhibition of the Word, and a 
bringing of things new and old out of his treasure, 
which have saved his acceptableness in the pulpit 
from anything like abatement. He is now, as he 
ever has been, universally esteemed in the commu- 



36 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

nity in which his days have been chiefly spent ; and 
when it shall please God to allow him to sink into 
the ground which he has seen so often broken for 
others, all will acknowledge that a faithful servant 
of the Most High has gone to his reward. 

The following statistics, with which we have been 
furnished by Dr. Moodey, will be read with interest : 

" In my church there have been 1165 baptisms ; 
of these there were 44 white adults, one a female 
above fifty years of age, and 4 adults and 3 infants 
of colour. In other churches, where, by Presbyterial 
appointments, I have preached, and administered, or 
aided in administering, the Lord's Supper, I have 
baptized 139 infants and 8 adults: 3 of the last were 
persons of colour. Whole number of baptisms, 1312. 

"During my pastoral relation with Middle Spring, 
there have been added to the list of our communi- 
cants, 655. A few of these have been received on 
certificate ; but by reason of death, removal, and 
church extension, the number increases but slowly. 
The largest number added at any one time was 24 ; 
and on every occasion, with one exception, there 
have been more or less added. 

"I have officiated at the solemnization of 587 
marriages. The numbers who have sprung from our 
congregation and become preachers of the gospel are 
very gratifying." 

We now proceed to notice the church at Middle 
Spring. Those who are familiar with this locality, 
three miles north of Shippensburg, remember well 



MIDDLE SPRING CHURCH. 37 

the green slope to the right, on which the building 
stands ; the graveyard in the rear ; the beautiful 
wood, stretching back, with its refreshing shadows ; 
''the old mill-dam," a few rods to the left of the 
road, calmly reflecting the light of heaven ; the foun- 
tain of fresh water bubbling up close by ; the mur- 
muring stream, which rolls on under the thick over- 
hanging foliage; and the "Lower Graveyard," a 
little to the north, along which that stream flows in 
its course, chaunting its sweet requiem for the dead. 
It was in that graveyard the first church in that 
region was built. Anxious for a place of worship, 
the early settlers met to devise a plan for this pur- 
pose ; and the result of their consultation was the 
erection of a log-building, near the gate of the grave- 
yard, about thirty-five feet square. This was about 
the year 1738. Soon this edifice, in which, for a 
while there was preaching only four or five times a 
year, Avas found to be too small to accommodate the 
people, and it was demolished, and another of the 
same material erected on the same spot. This was 
considerably larger, being about fifty-eight feet long 
and forty-eight feet wide. In a little while it became 
necessary again that the house of worship should 
have its capacity extended ; and this desideratum 
was effected by removing three sides of the building 
then in use, and embracing a little more space on 
either side, which was covered with a roof, some- 
thing in the form of a shed. Up the sides of these 
additions to the main edifice, and over the roofs, 

4 



38 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

were fixed wooden steps, by which access was gained 
into the gallery. This arrangement was made for 
want of room in the interior of the building for the 
construction of a stairway. Of the internal appear- 
ance of this ancient structure we are not able to give 
any very definite information. We have been told, 
however, that the pulpit, which was of walnut, was a 
remarkably neat piece of workmanship for that day. 
This interesting relic, which, with other portions of 
the building at the time it was torn down, was pur- 
chased by Samuel Cox, Esq., was converted into a 
table, which is yet in the possession of his son, John 
Cox, Esq., who still lives in the old homestead. 

In this church, for many years, the growing con- 
gregation worshipped ; and during this time the 
graveyard was filled with the dead. This sacred 
spot, which consists of about an acre of ground, is 
enclosed by a substantial stone wall, and stands by 
the roadside, teaching its solemn lesson to the passer- 
by. Of the epitaphs upon the few tombstones which 
it contains, we give the following : — 

" Here lies the body of John Reynolds, Esq., who 
departed this life on the twentieth day of October, 
1789, aged 40 years. 

<' This modest stone (wliat few vain marbles can) 
May truly say, < Here lies an honest man.' " 

" Interred here is the body of Capt. Samuel Kears- 
ley, a veteran survivor of the Revolution which pro- 



MIDDLE SPRING CHURCH. 39 

cured the Independence of America, who departed 
this life on the 22d of March, a.d. 1830, in the 81st 
year of his age. 

" In profession a Christian, 
A soldier intrepid, 
In body and mind vigorous. 
Fearless of man. 
But who confessed that Wisdom's beginning is God's fear." 

About the year 1781, the old stone church was 
erected, whose site, as is well known, was just beside 
that of the present building. This was still larger 
than its predecessor (being fifty-eight by sixty-eight 
feet), and was necessarily so, by reason of the rapid 
increase of population. About the same time that 
this church was built, and which, for its day, was one 
of more than ordinary elegance, the graveyard imme- 
diately in its rear, was located. This was done, not 
only because the old receptacle of the dead was well 
filled, but also because its soil was of a gravelly 
description, and its lower section, by reason of its 
nearness to the stream, was subject to frequent 
inundation. 

The present building at Middle Spring, which was 
erected in 1848, and demanded by the dilapidated 
, condition of the former one, is a neat brick edifice, 
one story high, with a gallery for a choir, and 
capacity to accommodate about four hundred per- 
sons. It was with many a deep regret that the 
necessity was yielded to that called for the erection 



40 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

of this new church ; and hundreds there were who 
were in full sympathy with one whose earliest asso- 
ciations were blended with that neighbourhood, and 
who, returning after the absence of years, thus 
uttered his feelings in the contemplation of the 
change that was soon to occur : — 

"Welcome to. me once more this green churchyard, 

To which, this bright May morn, have come my feet : 
Ah, from the village near, still hitherward 
Outdrawn I am that good old church to greet, 
And these sad graves, to pay them homage meet ; 
What times I come back to this neighbourhood. 

Long whiles between, where erst my boyhood sweet 
Was sped, here o'er its joys despoiled to brood. 
But though it bringeth dole the while, it doth me good. 

"As now, long gone, oft sauntering have I come 

Adown that stream on Sabbath mornings bland, — 
In town at school, but longing much for home, — 
Beneath that poplar near the church to stand, 
Watching each carriage come and folks disband ; 
Till, see ! our own wends to its trysting-place ! 

Then did I bound to grasp each welcome hand ; 
To catch the beaming looks of each young face, 
A father's anxious smile, a mother's soft embrace ! 

*' They come not now, who gave that spot its zest. 

Parent and brothers, sisters, all are gone 

To newer homes, far settled in the West, — 

No more to walk, on holy days, this lawn. 

Yet one here rests. 0, most revered one ! 

Dear parent mine ! Say, is thy spirit near, 

To whose green mound here have I first been drawn ? 
Mark'st thou my sorrowing step and briny tear, 
To think I loved thee not the more when thou wast here ? 



MIDDLE SPRING CHURCH. 41 

" That old stone church! Hid in these oaks apart, 
I hoped Improvement ne'er would it invade ; 
But only Time, with his slow, hallowing art, 

Would touch it, year by year, with softer shade, 
And crack its walls no more, but, interlaid. 
Mend them with moss. Its ancient sombre cast 

Dearer to me is than all art displayed 
In modern churches, which, by their contrast. 
Make this to stand forlorn, held in the solemn Past. 

"Ah, now, they tell me, they will raze it low, 
And build a lowlier, neater church instead ; 
And well, no doubt, it is it should be so. 
But me not joy it brings, but drearihead: 
For still my thoughts, like fondest ivy spread. 
In memory green, do clasp that old church-pile ; 

And round a softer, holier light is shed. 
Than that through stained glass on chequered aisle : 
Oh, must it then be torn, on me no more to smile ?" 

In ^'that old stone church" there was, for many 
long years, a very large congregation. Its boun- 
daries reached six or eight miles in several directions. 
When the Sabbath dawned, every road and avenue 
might be seen thronged with those who were assem- 
bling for worship, — some on foot, some on horse- 
back, and some in carriages. The spacious house 
was crowded. Even the galleries, above which " the 
swallow had built a nest for herself, where she might 
lay her young," w^as filled. Loud throughout the 
surrounding forest might be heard the praises of 
God. At "intermission," the people gathered toge- 
ther in little circles. Some wandered to the ceme- 
tery, to sigh over the departed loved ones, and drop 

4* 



42 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

a tear upon the sweet-briar that bloomed by their 
graves. Some flocked to the "spring," to quaff" its 
sparkling waters. Others met to exchange saluta- 
tions and friendly greetings. The interval past, the 
public service of the sanctuary was resumed, and in 
a little while a scene of happy confusion was to be 
witnessed: — the old, and middle-aged, and young, 
moving off" to their homes, comfortable, at least, in 
the consciousness that, whatever other sins might be 
laid to their charge, they had not neglected the 
assembling of themselves together. Pleasant days 
were those at Middle Spring ! 

Here we cannot resist the temptation to give, 
somewhat at length, an admirable description of the 
old church, which, though written in 1847, has but 
recently been published, and from which we have 
presented an extract already.* 

"Its pews of obdurate pine, straight-backed and tall — 
Its gallery, mounted high three sides around — 
Its pulpit, goblet-formed, half up the wall. 

The sounding-board above, with acorn crowned, 

And Rouse's psalms, that erst therein did sound 

To old fugue tunes, to some the thoughts might raise 

Of folks antique that certes there were found — 
Ah no! I wote in those enchanting daj's. 
There beauty beamed, there swelled the richest notes of praise. 

"What though no dainty choir the gallery graced, 
And trolled their tunes in soft, harmonious flow ; 



* Poem by Prof. W. M. Nevin:— 'TAe Guardian.'' May, 
1852. 



MIDDLE SPRING CHURCH. 43 

One pious clerk, tall formed and sober faced, 
With book enclutched, stood at his desk below, 
And with his pitch all people's voice did go ; 

If not full blent, certes in soul sincere, 

Up from their hearts their praises they did throw, 

Nor cared they e'en, of som,e deaf dame, to hear, 
At close, the voice in suit, lone quavering in the rear. 

** Out from that pulpit's height, deep-browed and grave, 
The man of God ensconced, half bust was shown, 
Weighty and wise, he did not thump nor rave. 
Nor lead his folks, upwrought, to smile nor moan. 
By him, slow cast, the seeds of truth were sown. 
Which, lighting on good soil, took lasting hold. 

Not springing eftsoons, then to wilt ere grown. 
But, in long time, their fruits increased were told : 
Some thirty, sixty some, and some an hundred fold. 

" Ah, then, in our pew, my cousin Bess, 
Happy I was downseated by thy side. 
With youngsters more, in middle stowed, the less. 
Where, sex from sex, we did our kin divide. 
High boarded up no face without we spied. 
Save of his Reverence high, or some ybent 
Out o'er the balustrade of gallery wide. 
Thus were our minds from vanities safe pent, 
And kept the text, I wote, and each commandement. 

" And when, through summers, thou hadst tall up grown, 
Above that pew did peer thy witching grace. 
Like some red rose out o'er its wall, full blown. 
Is seen abroad, unweeting of its case. 
And thy full voice, within that holy place. 
Was heard all others through, richest, I ween ; 

And not a daintier foot nor lovelier face. 
When all out came the service times between, 
Nor on this shaded knoll nor by yon spring was seen. 



44 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

" Nurtured thou wast hard by yon mountain's height, 
Which now the distance does in azure steep ; 
Whose base with laurels, moss, and fern is dight, 
Where through its gap the gladsome waters leap. 
The scene there doth its verdure ever keep ; 
And with its joys was thy young spirit stirred ; 
And thy dark eye mirrored its beauty deep ; 
And in its glens thy mellow voice was heard, 
Sweeter than dash of stream or song of mountain bird. 

*' Ah, can it be that slumbering thou art laid, 

Hard by this high, in yon low burial plot, 

In quiet bed trimmed by the sexton's spade, 

With grass o'ergrown, and violets thither brought 
By hands bereaved ! Yes, sorrow deep was wrought. 
And still for thee is felt a lasting gloom ; 

For just when thy rich heart and sprightliest thought 
Were shedding us, like rose, their prime perfume, 
Then snapped, thou sudden fell'st into that early tomb ! 

"In this high burial-ground, in that below. 

No massive structure stands of sculptured stone ; 
No column's shaft, off broke, that it might show 
Youth's vigour downwards all untimely thrown. 
But humble slabs and headstones many strown, 
Simply the names and years and worth avow 

Of those here laid. 'Tis well. They covet none. 
In life they were plain men of honest brow. 
They sought no honours then, nor do they seek them now. 

" Here were they gathered every good Lord's day. 

From town, from hamlet, and from country wide. 
In pleasant groups, but meek and staid alway. 

They showed not often levity nor pride ; 

Yet sooth in some gay maids some pranks were spied, 
Misled by dress and spirits over light, 

Out by yon firs, with beaux convened aside. 



MIDDLE SPRING CHURCH. 45 

They laughed and joked ; yes, some did shrill outright! 
And that it was God's day they had forgotten quite. 

*' But these were few : and for that breach, I wote, 
At home their mothers did them well aread. 
Others all o'er this place in solemn thought, 
Stood lone, or spoke with sanctimonious heed. 
Yet this to take full many had no need. 
For they were grave in grain. Who would might scan, 

Still were they upright found in word and deed. 
They knew, but most they felt, the gospel plan, 
And loved their God supreme, and next their fellow-man. 

** Blest sight it was to mark that godly flock, 

At intermission, grouped throughout this wood. 
Each log, each bench, each family upping-block, 
Some granddame held amidst her gathered brood. 
Here cakes were shared, and fruits, and counsel good ; 
Devoutly spoken 'twas of crops and rain ; 

Hard by the church the broad-brimmed elders stood, 
While o'er that slope did flow a constant train 
Of bevies, springward bound, or coming back again. 

*' Ah! luckless wight, whom gallantry did press, 
Fast by that spring, to stoop him often low. 
And serve, with cup up-dipped, and bland address, 
The gathered fair, whose multitude did grow ! 
One whom he most affects, and did bestow 
Her first the cup, hath drunk, and off does walk ; 

Her then to follow fain he must forego, — 
With some far happier swain he marks her talk, 
While he must stoop, and grin, and water all the flock. 

*' Here too, like me, some lonesome wight of yore 
Did stand apart, and these memorials scan, 
And blighted hopes and buried loves deplore. 
And feel, in sooth, how frail a thing is man. 



46 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

Hither the widow came, weeping and wan, 
To muse on him of late her joy and pride. 

Ah! now no more she mourns the solemn ban 
Which did her then from her loved spouse divide — 
Now does she sleep herself all sweetly by his side. 

"These ask no ponderous tombs, yet sooth to tell. 
Above doth lie the turf, too bleak and bare ; 
For they did love their homes and country well, 
And still of these fresh garlands they should share. 
Here should the rose its ruddiest clusters wear, 
The willow droop, the cedar winters brave ; — 
But, ah ! few hands are left for this to care. 
So mote the briar spring, and o'er each grave 
Spread out its vernal blossoms. This they seem to crave." 

That tlie congregation of Middle Spring is not 
now as large as formerly, is well known. Germans 
have settled in the region from which it once derived 
its numerical strength, and consequently have limited 
the Presbyterian population from which accessions 
might be expected. Other congregations, too, have 
sprung up in the neighbourhood, which have served 
to weaken the old one from which they proceeded. 
We regard it as one of the evils of the times, that 
congregations have, in late years, been so much mul- 
tiplied ; for, to say nothing of the fact that attend- 
ance upon public worship has not increased by being 
rendered more convenient, it is undeniable that, in 
this way, venerable and vigorous churches have had 
their strength and influence seriously impaired, whilst 
the new organizations erected around them, have also, 



MIDDLE SPEING CHURCH. 47 

in most instances, been doomed to a feeble and em- 
barrassed existence. Such a course, however, Avas 
pursued in regard to Middle Spring, and it certainly 
has not contributed to its prosperity. The present 
members of the Session of the Church are as follows : 
Joseph M. Means, Abraham S. McKinney, David S. 
Runsha, Robert S. McCune, James Kelso, Robert 
McCune, and Samuel Wherry. 



48 



CHAPTER III. 



BIG SPRING CHURCH. 



Among the primitive Presbyterian ministers of 
Pennsylvania, were several of the name Craighead. 
One of these, whose Christian name is not given on 
the Records of Presbytery, was installed as pastor 
of the congregation of Pequea, in Lancaster County, 
in 1733. Another (Alexander) settled at Middle 
Octarara, in the same county, about the same time. 
The name of a third (Thomas) appears on the Pres- 
byterial Records in 1735. These last two gentlemen 
were the first preachers of the Gospel in the regions 
beyond the Susquehanna. In 1734 the former was ap- 
pointed by the Presbytery to "supply over the river." 
The year following, "a supplication from the settle- 
ment over the river desiring supplies," he was again 
appointed to act in the same capacity. In the same 
year, Mr. Thomas Craighead was sent to "supply 
the people of Conodoguinot." This gentleman was 
a cousin of Mr. John Craighead, who settled at an 
early date on Yellow Breeches Creek, near Carlisle, 
and who was the father of the Rev. Mr. Craighead, 
afterwards pastor of the church at Rocky Spring. 



BIG SPKING CHURCH. 49 

The Rev. Thomas Craighead was the first pastor 
of Big Spring Congregation, or Hopewell, as it was 
then called. He entered into this relation with it in 
1738. In regard to his salary, it is only recorded 
that, "A list of subscriptions being produced, the 
commissioners agreed that Mr. Craighead shall have 
the benefit of all future subscriptions." Previously 
to this settlement, it would seem that Mr. C. was 
stated supply at Carlisle and Silvers' Spring (or 
Upper and Lower Pennsborough) ; for in 1738 it was 
ordered by Presbytery, " that the two Societies in 
Pennsburg pay to Mr. Craighead the two-thirds of 
sixteen pounds, for the half year that he was ap- 
pointed to supply there, and that the people of Mr. 
Craighead's congregation make up the other third." 

About the time of Mr. Craighead's settlement at 
Hopewell, there was some difficulty existing between 
that congregation and the one at Upper Pennsbo- 
rough, in relation to the proposed erection of a meet- 
ing-house by the former. The nature and issue of 
this difficulty, the subjoined extracts from the Pres- 
byterial Records will serve, in some degree, to ex- 
plain. 

June 22d, 1737. " A supplication from the peo- 
ple of Hopewell being presented, requesting the con- 
currence of Presbytery to draw a call to Mr. Thomas 
Craighead, the Presbytery, finding some inconveni- 
ence in reference to the situation of one of their 
houses, don't see cause to concur with them at pre- 
sent, but do appoint Mr. Black to supply at Penns- 

5 



50 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

boro' on the last Sabbath of July, and on the week 
following to convene that people and the people of 
Hopewell, at James McFarlan's, in order to inquire 
if Pennsboro' will agree that Hopewell build a meet- 
ing-house at Great Spring, — and make a report 
thereof at our next." 

Aug. 31, 1737. " Mr. Black reports that he sup- 
plied at Pennsboro', and convened the people and 
those of Hopewell on the Monday following, and 
heard them confer about the meeting-house proposed 
to be built at Great Spring, but the parties did not 
agree about the same." 

Subsequently, " Presbytery voted, by a great ma- 
jority, not to alter the bounds of the congregation of 
Pennsboro'," and "disapproved the people of Hope- 
well building a meeting-house just on the border of 
Pennsborough congregation." 

Mr. Craighead, though called in 1737, was not in- 
stalled until October, 1738. This service was con- 
ducted by the Rev. Alexander Craighead, an "edict," 
by order of Presbytery, having been sent " to be 
published timeously before." Mr. Craighead died in 
June of the ensuing year. In relation to this event, 
Thomas Craighead, Jr., of Whitehill, Cumberland 
County, has thus written in a letter, dated Dec. 16, 
1845, and published in Mr. I. D. Rupp's " History 
of Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry, Bedford, Adams, 
and Franklin Counties:" 

"At Big Spring, protracted meetings were held 
for public worship. So powerful, it is said, were the 



BIG SPRING CHURCH. 51 

influences of the Spirit, that the worshippers felt 
loth, even after having exhausted their stores of pro- 
vision, to disperse. I have heard it from the lips of 
those present, when Thomas Craighead delivered one 
of the parting discourses, that his flow of eloquence 
seemed supernatural, — he continued in bursts of elo- 
quence, while his audience was melted to tears ; him- 
self, however, exhausted, hurried to pronounce the 
blessing, waving his hand, — and as he pronounced 
the words. Farewell, farewell ! he sank down, and 
expired without a groan or struggle. His remains 
rest where the church now stands, the only monu- 
ment of his memory." 

After Mr. Craighead's demise, Mr. James Lyon, 
of Ireland (and, at the time of his invitation, under 
the care of the Presbytery of New Castle), supplied 
the pulpit at Hopewell for some months. After 
his term of service had expired. Big Spring was 
connected with Rocky Spring and Middle Spring, as 
a charge. We learn this from the sessional records 
of the last-mentioned congregation, which state (1742) 
that '' the minister and elders of Big Spring, Middle 
Spring, and Rocky Spring, met at Middle Spring, 
in order to settle the division of the minister's labours 
among the three congregations." The arrangement 
agreed upon at this meeting was " that the minister's 
labours be equally divided in a third part to each 
place, as being most for the glory of God and good 
of his people." It was also, ^'upon the motion of 
the elders of Big Spring, left to them, the people, 



52 CIIUllCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

and Mr. Blair, to converse among themselves in 
respect to the subscriptions of the Big Spring Con- 
gregation." How long Mr. Blair sustained the pas- 
toral relation to these three congregations we have 
no means of determining. 

The next point at which it is possible to write 
with any confidence of the regular occupancy of the 
pulpit at Big Spring, is 1T59. In that year the 
Rev. George DuflSeld was installed over Carlisle and 
Big Spring. According to the terms of his call, 
one-third of his time was to be given to Big Spring, 
and two-thirds to Carlisle. In 1761, an effort was 
made by the former congregation to obtain the half 
of Mr. Duffield's labours ; but this effort was not 
sanctioned, for reasons which were regarded as satis- 
factory by Presbytery, and among which was an 
apprehension that Mr. Duffield's constitution would 
not be able to endure, any length of time, the fatigue 
of being the one-half of his time at Big Spring. 

Mr. Duffield's successor at Big Spring was the 
Bev. William Linn. The congregation at this time 
seems to have increased sufficiently to justify them 
in securing the time and labour of a pastor for them- 
selves alone. When, precisely, Mr. Linn was called 
to this pastorate, cannot be ascertained ; for it was 
registered in that portion of the Records of Pres- 
bytery which cannot be found. It was, however, 
there is strong reason to believe, before the year 
1778. In 1784, Mr. Linn applied to Presbytery to 
have his relation to the congregation dissolved, in 



BIG SPRING CHURCH. 53 

order that he might accept the Presidency of Wash- 
ington Academy, in Somerset County, Maryland ; 
and his request was granted. 

After being two years vacant, the church at Big 
Spring found a pastor in the Rev. Samuel Wilson, 
who continued with them until he was removed by 
death, in March, 1799. There is yet in the posses- 
sion of Mrs. Doctor Sharp, of Newville, — who is the 
only surviving child of the Rev. Mr. Wilson, — the 
call which was given to her father. This is rather 
an interesting document in several respects ; and 
therefore we cheerfully comply with the request of 
several members of the congregation, communicated 
by a venerable member of the Session, that it be 
published in our volume.* 

In 1801, the Rev. Joshua Williams was called to 
Big Spring. His installation took place April 14th, 
1802. On that occasion Dr. Davidson delivered a 
discourse from Acts xx. 27, and Dr. Cooper delivered 
a charge. The salary promised was " two hundred 
pounds annually." Dr. Williams died on the 21st 
of August, 1838, at his residence in Westpenns- 
borough Township. 

The following extracts from two obituaries of him 
which were published will serve to give some idea of 
his history and character. We most sincerely regret 
that we have not been able to furnish an equally full 
and satisfactory account of his worthy predecessors. 

* See Appendix I. 
5* 



54 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

"Dr. Williams had not the advantage of entering 
at an early age on a course of studies preparatory to 
the ministry. He was graduated at Dickinson Col- 
lege, in the year 1795, then under the presidency of 
Dr. Nesbit. His theological studies were pursued 
chiefly under the direction of Dr. Robert Cooper. 
In the year 1798, in the thirtieth year of his age, he 
was licensed to preach the Gospel by the Presbytery 
of Carlisle. The year following, he received a call 
from the United Congregations of Derry and Paxton, 
which he accepted, and was ordained to the work of 
the ministry, and installed pastor of said charge, by 
the Presbytery of Carlisle, in the autumn of the 
same year. After having served the people of this, 
his first charge, for about four years, he received a 
call from the Presbyterian Church at Big Spring, 
left vacant by the death of the Rev. Samuel Wilson, 
which he judged it to be his duty to accept; and accor- 
dingly he gave up the charge of his former congre- 
gations, and was installed pastor of the latter in the 
year 1802. Under the labours of a prolonged pas- 
torate, his general health declined, and a complication 
of infirmities reduced his physical strength.. His 
nervous system, especially, became disordered, and 
as a consequence, he often suifered great mental 
depression. A year or two previous to his release 
from his pastoral charge, under the impression that 
he was unable to perform, as they should be done, 
the duties of a pastor, he proposed resigning his 
charge. But the congregation earnestly remon- 



BIG SPRING CHUKCH. 55 

strated against his doing so, and assured him of 
their being well satisfied with such services as his 
feeble state of health permitted him to render. About 
the year 1829, at his earnest request, the pastoral 
relation between him and the congregation of Big 
Spring was dissolved. From the day of his instal- 
lation till his resignation, he lived and laboured 
among his people with uninterrupted harmony and 
growing interest. 

''After retiring from his pastoral charge. Dr. 
Williams did not at all abandon the duties of his 
office as a minister of the Gospel, but continued, as 
his health permitted and opportunity was afforded, 
serving vacant congregations in the bounds of the 
Presbytery, and frequently assisting his brethren on 
special occasions. In these labours of love he seemed 
to take great interest, often crossing mountains and 
riding to a distance into neighbouring counties, to 
preach the Gospel to the destitute. Dr. Williams's 
last illness was only of about four days' continuance. 
He had at various times expressed his fears of the 
dying struggle; but in his own case death seemed 
wholly disarmed of all his terrors. His end was 
peaceful, without a disturbed feature. On the morn- 
ing of the 21st of August, 1838, he seemed literally 
to fall asleep in Jesus. The next day a very large 
concourse of persons (most of whom had been for- 
merly the people of his charge), together with eight 
or ten ministers, attended the funeral, and testified 
their very great regard for him, v,^hom they had so 



56 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

much reason to love and to venerate. His remains 
were deposited in the Big Spring Churchyard, nearly 
in view from the sacred desk where he had so long 
jDreached to that people the Gospel of God, which 
brings life and immortality to light. 

"In the death of Dr. Williams, the Church lost 
an able and faithful advocate of the truth. His re- 
tired situation and unobtrusive disposition were, no 
doubt, the occasion of his being less publicly known 
than he justly merited. His talents and attainments 
as a minister of the Gospel were such as always to 
command the highest respect from all who knew him. 
He was naturally possessed of strong and vigorous 
intellectual powers. His judgment was sound and 
discriminating. He had a remarkable taste and ap- 
titude for metaphysical discussions, which, however, 
never seem to have led him into erroneous specula- 
tions on the doctrines of religion. 

"As a steward of the mysteries of God, Dr. Wil- 
liams was well instructed, and furnished for every 
good work, above most others in the sacred office. 
His mind was richly stored with theological know- 
ledge : with every part of Scripture he seemed fami- 
liar, and could quote any passage to which he wished 
to refer, with great readiness and accuracy. He 
employed much of his time in reading instructive 
authors, and always with a view to the furnishing of 
his mind the more thoroughly, for the duties of his 
office, and for his own personal edification. 

" As a preacher of the Gospel, Dr. W. was grave 



BIG SPRING CHURCH. 57 

and solemn in his manner, and highly instructive in 
his discourses. His usual method in his sermons was 
to explain his text, if it needed explanation, then 
state the subject, or doctrine illustrated, and confirm 
this by Scripture and argument. And to make the 
truth bear upon the hearts of his audience, his first 
object was to instruct, then to persuade ; believing 
that truth is in order to righteousness, and that there 
can be no correct Christian practice, till the mind be 
enlightened, and the heart sanctified through the 
truth of the Word of God. 

"In his manners and conversation, this excellent 
man was courteous and afi'able, yet always dignified. 
He was truly a lover of hospitality. It gave him 
great pleasure to have his brethren in the ministry 
visit him. Nor were such occasions sufi*ered to pass 
without improvement. Very few men, we are as- 
sured, ever possessed, in the same degree with Dr. 
W., the happy faculty of communicating solid instruc- 
tion in social conversations. Some useful subject 
was always introduced, and discussed in such a man- 
ner as to be at once interesting and instructive. The 
great doctrines of the Cross, which he professed to 
believe, and which he preached, were not held by 
him as mere theoretical subjects, without a salutary 
and practical influence on his own heart. It was 
seldom, except to very intimate friends, that he would 
freely unfold his religious experience, but then it was 
manifest that his mind was deeply imbued with the 
precious truths of the Gospel, that he had felt in- 



58 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

tensely the power of that Word of God which he 
preached to others. But he has fought a good fight; 
he has finished his course, he has kept the faith, and 
now we confidently trust he is in possession of that 
Crown of Righteousness which the Lord, the right- 
eous Judge, will give to all them that love his ap- 
pearing." 

Soon after the withdrawment of Dr. Williams from 
the church at Big Spring (1830), the Rev. Robert 
McCachren, a native of Chester County, and a licen- 
tiate of the Presbytery of Newcastle, was called to 
be its pastor. This call he accepted, and in this re- 
lation he continued until it was resigned in October, 
1851. Mr. McCachren's labours among that people 
were not without encouraging success. The number 
of members added to the congregation during his 
connexion with it, was four hundred and eighty-five. 
During the second year of his ministry the church 
was favoured with a season of the revival of religion, 
which resulted in an accession of seventy-three to 
the list of communicants. Some of the precious 
fruits of that awakening remain there to this day. 
Mr. McCachren since his resignation has not ac- 
cepted of another charge, but still resides in New- 
ville, and has the supervision of a classical academy 
of that place. 

From him we have learned that the earliest elders 
of Big Spring, now known, were, John Carson, John 
McKeehan, John Bell, David Ralston, Sr., Thomas 
Jacobs, Alexander Thompson, William Lindsay, At- 



BIG SPRING CHURCH. 59 

cheson Laughlin, all of whom served under the min- 
istry of the Rev. Samuel Wilson, and some of them 
part of the time of his successor. The session at 
present consists of the following members : Robert 
McElwain, William Ker, Samuel Davidson, James 
Mcllhenny, William Green, James Fulton, Samuel 
McKeehan. 

It is with Newville, as with other localities in Cum- 
berland Valley — in gazing upon it the mind is filled 
with amazement at the mighty change which has 
taken place. The time is almost within the memory 
of some who live, when the dark shadows of the 
gloomy forest fell upon all that region, and the 
savage Indian roamed over the surrounding hills and 
valleys ; but now the eye is there called to survey a 
thriving village in which there are three churches 
for the worship of God, the circumjacent country 
highly cultivated and thickly inhabited, with a moral 
and religious population, the rushing railcar bearing 
the traveller along with dizzying speed, and the 
quiet magnetic wires annihilating both time and 
space with the electric celerity of their communica- 
tion. 

The first church erected at Big Spring, stood in 
the graveyard now in use by the congregation, within 
a few rods of the present building, and was erected 
about the year 1738. From all the information we 
can obtain in regard to it, it was a plain log building, 
such as we have described as being the first places 
of worship for several of the surrounding cotigre- 



60 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

gations, and like them it had a "study" attached to 
it. It seems to have been the opinion of our fathers 
that the minister of the sanctuary, should have some 
place near to it, from which, at least, he could come 
forth into the pulpit with his mind undistracted by 
conversation with the members of his flock, and his 
heart elevated by its communing Avith heaven. And 
we are free to acknowledge that we have no disposi- 
tion to differ from this idea. Surely such an arrange- 
ment much better comports with the sacredness and 
effectiveness of the service to be performed, than 
does that which now so generally prevails. 

At what time precisely the present edifice at Big 
Spring was erected, we are not able to say, but it was 
in all probability during the early part of the minis- 
try of the Rev. Mr. Wilson. Until the year 1842, it 
was a plain stone building, having three doors, with 
the pulpit on the north side, and pews with high 
straight backs, and, *on the whole, indicating far 
more regard for the essential than the comfortable 
and the ornamental; but at that time it was remodelled 
in modern style, and now ranks with the handsomest 
churches in the Presbytery. It is capable of accom- 
modating about six hundred persons. The site which 
it occupies, a few rods northward from the town, is a 
most eligible one, and from it there is a beautiful 
view of the surrounding neighbourhood. Back of it, 
at a short distance, rolls gently along the clear and 
lovely stream from which it has received its name, 
and which for ages has been flowing on, apparently 



BIG SPRING CHURCH. 61 

the same, whilst the crowds that have weekly been 
gathering on its brink, have, one after another, lain 
down within the sound of its murmurs, to sleep the 
sleep that knows no waking till the resurrection 
trumpet shall utter its voice. 

Let us now take a view of the burial-place at Big 
Spring. A graveyard is always a solemn and inte- 
resting spot, whether we find it in the heart of a bus- 
tling and noisy city, where the present too much over- 
powers both the past and the future, or in the deep 
bosom of the country, where unbroken stillness reigns 
around, subduing the heart for the touching but 
wholesome lesson which it ought to learn, as the eye 
is fixed upon the resting-place of the dead. "While 
we cannot," says one, " subscribe to the doctrine of 
Chateaubriand, that the existence of graveyards, and 
our veneration for tombs, are convincing arguments 
for the truth of Christianity, we own that the in- 
fluence emanating from the place of sepulture is by 
no means small ; that the solemn shades of the burial- 
ground are congenial with a certain class of emotions 
which are natural to the human breast, and that there 
are voices thence which speak in impressive tones, 
for they seem to come from the very borders of the 
spirit-land. Hence the interest which some minds 
take in consecrated grounds, in God's acre, as the 
burial-place has been sententiously termed. Of those 
who have committed a friend to the last repose, there 
are few indeed who have not a secret sympathy for 

the spirit of the place." Many, very many there are 

6 



62 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

"svlio have " committed a friend" to the cemetery at 
Big Spring ; for its enclosure, though large, is well 
filled with graves, and many more, doubtless, have been 
buried there, the visible evidence of whose sepulture 
has, under the wasting influence of time, entirely dis- 
appeared. Among the many graves which specially 
interested us in a brief visit to this consecrated spot, 
we have only space to refer to those of the two former 
pastors of the Church, the Rev. Mr. Wilson and 
the Rev. Dr. Williams, over each of which there is a 
befitting marble slab. It may be pardonable, per- 
haps, for us to add, that a peculiar solemnity fell 
upon our spirit, as the inscription, " In memory of 
Paul Pierce, who departed this life, June 7th, 1794, 
aged 78 years," reminded us of a great-grandfather, 
who sleeps in the tomb by the side of which we 
stood. 

On the whole, we would say, that the graveyard of 
the congregation of Big Spring, is kept in such a 
condition as reflects credit upon those who have 
charge of it. The time has happily passed away in 
which burial-places were too generally regarded with 
great indifference, except to protect them from the 
depredations of prowling animals ; and now it is gra- 
tifying to every person of good taste and correct 
feelings, to find in every direction, instead of tall, 
luxuriant grass, and crumbling tombstones, and 
sinking graves, cemeteries so neatly kept as at once 
to indicate the affection that is cherished for the 
mortal remains which they contain, and to make them 
attractive as places of profitable meditation. 



63 



CHAPTER IV. 

CHURCH AT silvers' SPRING. 

The church at Silvers' Spring was first known as 
"the people over the Susquehanna." Afterwards 
(1736), as connected with the congregation at Car- 
lisle (then called, as it would seem, the " Congrega- 
tion of Conodoguinett,") it was known as the "Lower 
part of the settlement of Conodoguinett." Still later 
(1739), we find it designated as "Lower Pennsbo- 
rough." The name which it now bears was received at 
an early date, and is to be accounted for by the fact, 
that the land around the stream near which the 
church edifice stands, was originally owned by Mr. 
Silvers, one of the first settlers in that region of 
country. 

The gospel was first preached to this congregation 
by the Rev. Alexander Craighead, by appointment 
of Presbytery, in 1734, and for several years follow- 
ing they were supplied occasionally by the Rev. 
Messrs. Bartram, Thomas Craighead, Golston, and 
Thompson. 

In the year 1739, the Rev. Samuel Thompson was 
installed as pastor of this church, in connexion with 



64 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

the church at Carlisle (or "Pennsborough," as it was 
then called), as the following extract from the records 
of Presbytery will show. 

"Pennsboro', Nov. 14th, 1739. 

" Mr. Anderson, at the meeting-house door, gave 
publick advertisement that if any could advance any 
lawful objection against Mr. Samuel Thompson being 
set apart to the work of the holy ministry, to both 
societies in this place, and no objection appearing, 
Mr. Craighead delivered a sermon from Ezek. 33, 6, 
and presided in the work of ordination. Accordingly, 
Mr. Samuel Thompson was set apart to the work of 
the sacred ministry by the imposition of hands, &c." 

Previously to this time, Mr. Thompson seems to 
have laboured for a season among "the people of 
Conococheague," for at the next meeting of the 
Presbytery after the installation just referred to, 
"Richard 0. Cahan, Joseph Armstrong, Benjamin 
Chambers, and Patrick Jack, publicly engaged "to 
pay to Mr. Samuel Thompson the sum of one pound 
five shillings, at or before next meeting of Presbytery, 
as being the whole of arrears due him by the people 
of Canigagig." It is highly probable, also, that he 
officiated for some time at Pennsborough before he 
became pastor. This, the following extract from the 
Presbyterial records, before his installation at that 
place is noticed, will serve to show, as well as give 
some idea of the spirit of the times. 

"The Synod, last May, having received and read a 
letter directed to one Alexander McKec, subscribed 



CHURCH AT silvers' SPRING. 65 

by Mr. Samuel Thompson, containing some things 
which were very offensive to the Honourable Pro- 
prietor, the Synod also have condemned said letter, 
and remitted the further consideration thereof, and 
what censure should be inflicted upon Mr. Thompson 
on account of writing said letter, to this Presbytery. 
Mr. Thompson being now present, the Presbytery 
took the affaire into consideration, and accordingly, 
Mr. Thompson being called in, with several of the 
People of Pennsboro', he also giving a short narrative 
of the Matter, did acknowledge his imprudence and 
inadvertency in writing said letter, tho' it was designed 
to signify not his own thoughts, but the thoughts of 
the People, and expecting that the said letter would 
never go any further than Alex. McKee, to whom it 
was directed. Commissioners also from the People 
of Pennsboro' gave in a supplication, wherein they 
took the whole blame of said letter on themselves, 
and declared they were provoked thereunto by their 
being credibly informed that some in authority had 
threatened to order a constable to pull Mr. Thompson 
out of the pulpit on the Sabbath-day, and drag him 
at an horsetail to Newtown. The Presbytery ordered 
that the Minutes of Synod be read, and finding that 
neither Mr. Thompson's letter nor the Synod's order 
in relation thereunto, are come to our hands, the 
Presbytery conclude that at present we can go no 
further than only accept of Mr. Thompson's acknow- 
ledgment which he hath already made, and sharply 
reprove said people for constraining him to write said 

6* 



66 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

letter. This conclusion unanimously agreed to, and 
Mr. Anderson appointed to rebuke said people." 

On account of "bodily weakness," Mr. Thompson 
"was, at his own request, dismissed from "Lower 
Pennsborough," in the year 1745, the Presbytery 
at the same time " recommending to him to be gene- 
rous and industrious in preaching to the congregation, 
either on Sabbath-days or week-days, according to 
his conveniency and their necessity." In 1747, 
" for several reasons, but chiefly because of unhappy 
jealousies, on account of which he doubted he could 
not be farther useful in the congregation," he sought 
a dismission from " Upper Pennsborough," and in his 
desire the people, by their representatives, concurred. 

After leaving this charge, Mr. Thompson settled 
at " Great Conewago," where he laboured until 1779, 
when, " on account of his infirmities by old age, 
which disqualified him for performing the duties of a 
pastor to his people," he requested Presbytery to 
dissolve the relation between them. In this request 
the congregation acquiesced, and it was granted. 
This acquiescence, however, was not that cold and 
thankless one w^hich too often is signified when an 
aged servant of the Lord, who has laboured among a 
people for many years, — perhaps the greater part of 
his life, — watching over their spiritual interests with 
deep concern and earnest eff"ort, and all the time 
receiving a bare subsistence for himself and family, 
has at length, with worn-out powers, to retire from 
his post, and is permitted to do so without any pro- 



CHURCH AT silvers' SPRING. 67 

vision by his flock for his future maintenance and 
comfort. The people of " Great Conewago," to 
their credit be it known, — if credit can be awarded 
where only duty is done, — " afforded a gratuity for 
the support of Mr. Thompson, to his satisfaction." 

And thus, we have not the least hesitation in say- 
ing, it ought in every case to be. There is no class 
of men who, in view of the expense connected with 
their education, and the frequent demands upon their 
liberality, and the amount of their labours, are so 
meagerly compensated as the ministers of the gospel ; 
and therefore, though it is true that they are to look 
for their reward in the world above, and ought to 
guard against every temptation to feel " at home in 
the body," yet is it at the same time a sad reproach 
to any congregation, and sorry evidence that God's 
word has wrought in them as it ought, that, when a 
pastor's tears for long years have fallen for them, 
and his prayers ascended in their behalf, and theirs 
have been his friendly counsels and indefatigable 
toils, he is, under the decrepitude of a life soon to 
end, cast off with indifference, to suffer, perhaps, 
from want, which he has too much delicacy to make 
known, and to die with the prospect of destitution 
for his family, and with an exhibition of ingratitude, 
in the very scene of his loved labours. 

In relation to this subject, we avail ourselves of 
an extract from an editorial article in " The Presby- 
terian" of July 17th, 1852, which refers to the 
Corporation for the "relief of poor and distressed 



68 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

Presbyterian ministers, and of the poor and dis- 
tressed widows and children of Presbyterian minis- 
ters." This article, which is exactly suited to our 
purpose, came under our notice after our views of 
the neglect of the duty in question had been penned. 

'' The Corporation offers to secure to applicants, 
1. A stipulated annuity, payable to the widow or 
children of a minister after his death ; 2. A stipu- 
lated sum, payable to the legal representatives of a 
minister on his decease ; and, 3. A stipulated annuity 
for a minister in the decline of his life, to commence 
either at 60 or Qb years of age. 

" The various provisions offered may be secured in 
either of four ways. 1. By the payment of a sum 
of money at one time. 2. By the payment of an 
annual premium on the 22d of May, during the life 
of the minister. 3. By the deposit of such a sum 
as, if put to interest at 5 per cent., would ^ annually 
produce the amount of the annual premium, the 
deposit to remain during the minister's life. 4. By 
the deposit of a similar sum, to remain for ever in 
the hands of the Corporation, for the benefit of a 
succession of m,inisters. 

" Many ministers who would not be able to depo- 
sit at one time the amount necessary to secure the 
payment of an annuity, might perhaps save enough 
to pay the annual premium. But a far better way, 
in most cases, would be for churches and congrega- 
tions to take upon themselves the expense of such a 
provision for their pastor's family. A deposit might 



CHURCH AT silvers' SPRING. 69 

be made, which would entitle every successive pastor, 
of the church making it, to share its benefits, or the 
amount necessary to meet the annual premium could 
easily be raised by any energetic person in the con- 
gregation who would undertake it. Such evidences 
of afi"ection by a congregation for their minister could 
not but have a happy effect. 

" The late venerable Dr. Alexander, in a letter 
written near the close of his life, made some valuable 
suggestions on this subject. With regard to se- 
curing the provision payable after the minister's 
death, he says : ' Some two or three of the most 
active ladies in the congregation should be engaged 
to raise, annually, small subscriptions from females, 
sufficient to pay the annual premium, or if they pre- 
ferred to raise a sum equal in value to the annual 
payment, this should be encouraged as less trouble- 
some, and as safer for the Corporation.' The sum 
necessary to secure a deferred annuity to the minis- 
ter himself, in advanced age, he suggests, should 
engage the attention of the young men." 

We may add that the conditions of the Corpora- 
tion have been so extended, as to include not only 
New and Old School Presbyterians, but the German 
Eeformed, Reformed Dutch, Associate Reformed, 
Associate and Reformed Presbyterian, or Cumber- 
land denominations. 

To resume our narrative : In the year 1745, the 
Rev. Samuel Caven was called to " Lower Penns- 
borough," and continued to be its pastor, until his 



70 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

death, wliicli took place, as the inscription on his 
gravestone in that burial-ground shows, Nov. 9th, 
1750, in the 49th year of his age. 

In April, 1764, the congregations of Carlisle and 
East Pennsborough united in a call to the Rev. John 
Steel, agreeing to enjoy each an equal proportion of 
his labours, and promising him <£150 annually for 
his support. This call has been kindly placed in our 
hands by Mrs. Givin, a granddaughter of Mr. Steel, 
who is still living in Papertown, Cumberland County, 
at the advanced age of seventy-five years. In the 
letter in which it was forwarded to us, and which was 
written by her son, it is stated that Mr. Steel's papers 
were destroyed by fire many years ago. Erom the 
call, which we publish as interesting for its antiquity, 
it will be seen by those who are familiar with the lo- 
cality from which it came, that many of the descen- 
dants of its signers still reside where their fathers 
did.* Mr. Steel died in August, 1779. Three years 
afterwards, " a call from the united congregations of 
East Pennsborough and Monaghan was presented to 
Mr. Samuel Waugh, together with bonds for the an- 
nual salary of one hundred and fifty pounds, and also 
for a gratuity of seventy-five pounds from each con- 
gregation, that from East Pennsborough to be paid in 
one month after his instalment, and that from Mona- 
ghan, within three years." This call was accepted by 
Mr. Waugh, and he continued to be pastor of 
the charge until his death in January, 1807. The 
following brief but comprehensive delineation of his 
* See Appendix II. 



CHURCH AT silvers' SPRING. 71 

character, by Judge Clendenin, we are happy to in- 
sert : " Mr. Waugh was a sound divine, a very accep- 
table preacher, and highly esteemed by his people. 
After I became a member of his church, I was inti- 
mately acquainted with him, and as far as my ac- 
quaintance extended, I can say of him that he was 
an Israelite in whom was no guile." 

We also give with pleasure the subjoined extracts 
from a letter, in relation to Mr. Waugh, with which 
we have been favoured by his daughter, Mrs. Eliza 
W. Burd, now a resident of Bedford, Pa. 

"My father was a native of Carrol's Tract, in 
Adams County. On April 14th, 1783, he was joined 
in marriage with Miss Eliza Hoge, daughter of David 
Hoge, Esq., a highly respectable and influential man, 
from whom the place called Hogestown, within one 
mile of Silvers' Spring Church, derived its name, 
years before it became a village, by reason of the 
fact that he and his connexions resided there, as pro- 
prietors of a large body of land. He accepted the 
pastorate of the congregation in 1782." 

"The Lower Settlement, as it was then called, was 
emphatically a settlement of substantial people, who 
required preaching in the English language, and ac- 
cording to the Presbyterian form and faith. The 
sects which now exist in that region were unheard 
of at that time. A German Reformed Church, 
which I think still stands at Trindle's Spring, and in 
which there was preaching in German, was the only 
place of worship in all that region, out of the Pres- 



72 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

byterian communion. At Harrisburg, my impres- 
sion is, there was no settled minister for a long time, 
or if there was, the Susquehanna was in the way, 
which it was not at all times safe to cross in ferry- 
boats, so that from Middlesex, within three miles of 
Carlisle, to several miles below Harrisburg, the 
people attended at Silvers' Spring, as they did, also, 
from an equal distance north and south. 

" I can in truth say, and it is but justice to do so, 
that my father was a very amiable and sensible man. 
He moved amongst the people as a father in his 
family, and from his mild and prudent course had 
great influence. In the training of his family he was 
very faithful, teaching us the great rule and aim of 
life, making us familiar with the doctrinal standards 
of the Church, requiring the rigid observance of the 
Sabbath, and giving force to all his counsels and 
efforts, by his unostentatious, steady, upright daily 
walk and his daily prayer. 

" As to his pastoral labours. Silvers' Spring and 
Monaghan (now Dillsburg) had an equal portion 
of them. System and punctuality were with him 
cardinal points. Never did he once disappoint 
the people, for any cause, within my recollection. 
In season and out of season he met his engagements. 
His custom was to catechise at regular periods, 
throughout his charge, and not the children only, but 
also the heads of families — households. This was done 
by announcing from the pulpit certain days in the 
week, to meet those of a particular district, at a place 



CHURCH AT silvers' SPRING. 73 

named, and so he continued from week to week until 
the whole congregation was visited, and instructed in 
a pastoral way. His house was ever open to the 
visitation of his people, and on communion seasons 
four days were always set apart for religious services, 
during which the aged, or infirm, or distant members 
of the congregation, were his guests, according to 
their pleasure. 

'' My father's last sickness, which was from pleurisy, 
was but of six days' continuance. He was not well on 
Monday ; on Thursday he married a couple in his 
own room, and on Saturday morning he died. A 
little while before he breathed his last (my brother 
Samuel having been sent for the physician, and not 
yet returned), he had his other children brought to 
his bedside, of whom my sister and myself were the 
oldest present. He looked upon us all, and said, 
^'My poor girls!" — paused, and then asked, "What 
is the chief end of man?" This question I answered, 
in the words of my catechism, "To glorify God, and 
enjoy him for ever." After this, not another word 
was spoken by him ; he closed his eyes, and soon 
calmly and peacefully expired. At the time, I did 
not feel that much had been said to me as I stood 
by the bedside of a dying father, as I had so often 
been asked, and answered that question before. Very 
different, however, has been my view, under a riper 
judgment and experience. A volume could not have 
embodied more. In no way could the momentous 
consequence of that weighty question have been 

7 



74 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

presented, so as to secure for it a more abiding re- 
membrance and a deeper lodgment in the soul." 

The Rev. John Hayes* was Mr. Waugh's successor 
in the charge vacated by his decease. This con- 
nexion was formed in 1808, and dissolved by resig- 
nation in 1814. 

After Mr. Hayes's resignation, the Rev. Henry 
R. Wilson became pastor of the church at Silvers' 
Spring, with the promise of a salary of $700, and 
made this the field of his labour until his acceptance 
of the call of the congregation in Shippensburg, 
in 1823. 

The Rev. James Williamson, who followed Mr. 
Wilson in this relation, in 1824, resigned it in 1838. 

We are thus brought down to the time of the 
settlement of the present pastor, the Rev. George 
Morris. Mr. Morris, who was " a foreign licentiate, 
under the care of the Presbytery of Philadelphia," 
was called and installed in 1839. 

The present church at Silvers' Spring, which is a 
substantial stone building, 58 by 45 feet, was erected 
in the year 1783, during the incumbency of the Rev. 
Mr. Waugh. The warrant for the land on which it 
stands was granted in 1770. The congregation was 
incorporated by an act of Assembly, September 25th, 
1786, and the Trustees named in that act of incorpo- 
ration are, — Andrew Galbreath, Samuel Wallace, 
Daniel Boyd, John Wather, Hugh Laird, Samuel 
Waugh, William Mateer, Francis Silvers, and David 

* For some time a Professor in Dickinson College. 



CHURCH AT silvers' SPRING. 75 

Hoge. A neat and comfortable parsonage has re- 
cently been erected by the congregation. 

The church edifice which preceded the present one, 
and which was the first meeting-house at Silvers' 
Spring, was, we have been informed by one who 
learned it from his grand-parents, a small log build- 
ing, near the place where the present house stands. 
No record of the building of that house, or of the 
organization of a church in it, can be found ; and, as 
the members of the congregation at that time are, of 
course, all dead and gone, it is impossible to tell 
with certainty when these things were done. It is, 
however, far more than probable, from the facts 
which we have already given, and from the following 
epitaphs, which are to be found in the cemetery, that 
the old log building, in which the first settlers in 
what is now the eastern part of Cumberland County, 
with its beautiful landscapes and thriving villages, 
assembled for the worship of God, was erected about 
one hundred and twenty years ago. These epitaphs 
we have copied from Mr. Rupp's History : — 

"In memory of the Rev. Mr. Samuel Caven, who 
departed this life, Nov. 9, 1750, aged 49 years." 

"In memory of James Wood, who departed this 
life, Feb. 24th, 1750, aged 41 years." 

"Here lies the body of John Hamilton, who de- 
parted this life, Dec. 29th, 1747, aged 47 years." 

"Here lies the body of William MacMean, who 
departed this life in the year 1747, aged 35 years." 

We may add that these first settlers of that region 



76 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

were nearly all Scotch and Scotch-Irish. ^' Cumber- 
land," says Mr. Rupp, "was exclusively settled by 
Scotch and Scotch-Irish, with the exception of a few 
English. The Germans did not begin to immigrate 
into the lower part of the county till about 1760 
or '62." 

The Session of the church at Silvers' Spring, as 
at present constituted, consists of John Mateer, 
Francis Eckels, and Robert Gr. Young. 



77 



CHAPTER y. 

CHURCH IN MERCEESBURG. 

BY THE REV. THOMAS CREIGH. 

[In November, 1851, the Rev. Mr. Creigh preached his twen- 
tieth anniversary sermon as pastor of this church. This ser- 
mon, which gave so much satisfaction to the congregation as 
to lead to its publication by them, has been, at our request, 
expanded by its respected author into the following interest- 
ing and comprehensive form, and is, with his kind permission, 
turned to its present use. — A. N.] 



PERIOD I. 

FROM THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH, A. D. 1738, TO THE SET- 
TLEMENT OF THE REV. JOHN KINO, D.D., AS PASTOR, A. D. 1769. 

It is a matter of sincere and deep regret that the 
history of the Presbyterian Church in this place had 
not been undertaken years ago, when the materials for 
its early history were more abundant than they are 
at the present time. From this neglect, many things 
connected with its early history, with which it would 
be interesting to be acquainted, have entirely passed 

7* 



78 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

away, so that it is impossible to recover them ; or the 
tradition by which they have been handed down, has 
become so vague and uncertain, that unhesitating 
confidence cannot be reposed in them. Discrimina- 
tion has therefore been exercised in selecting from 
all the available sources within my reach, those facts 
which are supported by the best proof; and they are 
now collected together and arranged in the order of 
their occurrence. 

This part of Pennsylvania began to be settled about 
the year, A. D. 1736, the land being taken from the 
proprietors by those who intended to occupy it. The 
inhabitants were generally Scotch-Irish, and in their 
* fatherland' belonged to the Presbyterian Church. 
Among the first objects which claimed their attention 
in this their new home — among the labours and pri- 
vations of a new and uncultivated country — was the 
organization of a Church according to the faith of 
their fathers. This took place, A. d. 1738, and 
was styled. Upper West Conococheague. And so 
extensive was the territory which it covered, that it 
embraced all the region which is now occupied by 
the congregations of Welsh Run, Loudon, and St. 
Thomas, — about fourteen miles square, or an area of 
nearly two hundred miles. At this early period 
there were but few of any other denomination of 
Christians in this large field. The Presbyterian 
Church was predominant. Its members were the 
first and almost the sole possessors of the soil. 

Scattered over so great an extent of country, it is 



CHURCH IN MERCERSBURG. 79 

not surprising that a diversity of opinion should 
have existed in regard to the location of the church 
edifice. The two most prominent places selected 
were, the one, near what is now known by the name 
of Waddell's Graveyard, and which was then opened 
for interments in anticipation of the building being 
erected there, and the other, the place where it now 
stands. But in the spirit of compromise, and as 
being the most central and eligible, the latter place 
was chosen. The warrant for the land was taken 
out by Messrs. William Maxwell and William Camp- 
bell. And thus, for more than a century, on that 
hallowed ground has the glorious Gospel of the Son 
of God been proclaimed. For centuries to come may 
it be occupied for the same purpose ! 

It was a short time before this, that the Presby- 
terian Church in this country began to be agitated 
by a religious controversy, which resulted in a sepa- 
ration which continued for seventeen years.* The 
effects of this state of things in the Church at large 
were felt here also. A division was the consequence. 
This occurred in 1741. Hence originated the congre- 
gation of Lower West Conococheague, or what is now 
called Welsh Run. But though a division took place, 
it was what their situation as a congregation required, 
it being much too extensive to allow frequent meet- 
ings in one place. And when effected, it was done 

* For an account of this controversy, see Appendix III. 



80 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

with so much Christian spirit, that both churches 
still adhering to the same Presbytery, were frequently 
represented in this judicatory by the same commis- 
sioner. 

In the year 1754, this church invited the Rev. 
John Steel to become its Pastor. Mr. Steel having 
accepted the invitation, continued among them for 
about two years, having charge also of East Conoco- 
cheague. He settled at a time when the neighbour- 
hood was greatly disturbed by the Indians. General 
Braddock had been defeated ; and the Indians, ga- 
thering fresh courage from this disaster, hastened to 
wreak their vengeance on the inhabitants of these 
then frontiers. It was about this time that Col. 
James Smith, Mr. John M'Collough, and Richard 
Bard, Esq., and his wife, were taken captive by them ; 
all of whom were connected with this congregation, 
the latter two after their captivity ; and whose 
thrilling narratives, as recorded in a book some time 
since published, called ''Incidents of Border Life," 
give a vivid idea of the exposures and hardships and 
sufferings of the inhabitants at this early period. 

In consequence of these frequent attacks of the 
Indians, the settlement was entirely broken up ; the 
congregation was dispersed ; and Mr. Steel having 
received an invitation from the Presbyterian Church 
in Carlisle to become their pastor, accepted the invi- 
tation, and there lived and laboured the remainder 
of his days. Mr. Steel was a man of great intre- 



CHURCH IN MEllCERSBURG. 81 

pidity of character. Often did he lead forth com- 
panies of armed men to repel the invading savages. 

He was a good preacher, and a sound divine. But 
his labours here were of too short duration, and the 
country too much disturbed, to have been as greatly 
or as extensively useful, as he would have been under 
more favourable circumstances. How different is our 
condition from theirs ! Theirs was one of toil and 
great exposure to danger — oursi^ one of comparative 
ease and safety. With them^ it was a common thing 
to meet together to worship God with their fire-arms 
in their hands, and their swords at their sides — to 
us^ belongs the high privilege of meeting in the 
house of God without fear, and of worshipping 
without molestation. The ancient church was en- 
closed by a fortification^ erected for the safety and 
protection of the surrounding neighbourhood ; — fit 
emblem of that safer, securer refuge which God has 
provided, in his Son, for the penitent believer, from 
the storms of divine wrath, and from the enemies of 
his soul. 

After the return of the people to their desolated 
habitations, they again organized themselves into a 
congregation, and enjoyed supplies from the Done- 
gal Presbytery, until the years 1762 and '63, when 
the settlement was again disturbed by the irrup- 
tion of the Indians, which had once more well- 
nigh broken up the congregation. Yet, though few 
in number and labouring under great difficulties, they 
still clung to the church. And though it had scarcely 



82 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

an existence, yet did it still live, to impart consola- 
tion to them in their trying circumstances. 

They seem to have identified themselves so com- 
pletely with the Church, from their first settlement 
in these parts, that they could not live without it. 
They seem to have felt the truth of the promise, 
" They shall prosper that love thee." Hence, when 
driven from their homes and from the house of God, 
they seem to have possessed the spirit of the Psalmist, 
as, when under somewhat similar circumstances, he 
laments, " As the hartpanteth after the water brooks, 
so panteth my soul after thee, God. My soul thirst- 
eth for God, for the living God; when shall I 
come and appear before God ? My tears have been 
my meat day and night, while they continually say, 
Where is thy God ? When I remember these things, 
I pour out my soul in me : for I had gone with the 
multitude : I went with them to the house of God, 
with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude 
that kept holy day." (Psalm xlii. 1-4.) Thus were 
they called to pass through many changes and trials, 
until, in 1767, we find the Church in a more pros- 
perous condition than it had been at any former 
period. 

The following persons at this time composed the 
Session : Messrs. William Maxwell, William Smith, 
John M'Dowell, William M'Dowell, John Welsh, 
Alexander White, John M'Clelland, Jonathan Smith, 
William Campbell, Robert Fleming, and Samuel 
Templeton. 



CHURCH IN MERCERSBURG. 83 



PERIOD II. 

FROM THE SETTLEMENT OF THE REVEREND JOHN KING, D.D., AS 
PASTOR, A. D. 1769, TO THE SETTLEMENT OF THE REVEREND 
DAVID ELLIOTT, D.D., AS PASTOR, A. D. 1812. 

The church having been thus brought into a more 
prosperous condition, and its members feeling the 
importance of having a settled ministry among them, 
in 1768 invited the Rev. John King, then a licen- 
tiate under the care of the Presbytery of Philadel- 
phia, to preach to them vnth this view. Dr. King 
having accepted the invitation, and having laboured 
among them with great acceptance for several months, 
was at length ordained and installed pastor, August 
30th, 1T69. At the time of his settlement the con- 
gregation numbered one hundred and thirty families. 

Dr. King commenced his ministry in exciting 
times. It was not long after he had entered upon 
the pastorate of this church, until the whole commu- 
nity was thrown into a ferment by the following 
occurrence, which seriously threatened the best inte- 
rests of the church. But he was the man to meet 
the emergency. And he did meet it manfully and 
fearlessly, and the storm expended itself without any 
serious results.- In the year 1770, Col. James Smith 
had been lodged in prison, in Bedford County, on the 
charge of murder, which had occurred in an affray 
which had taken place in that county. For more 
safe keeping he was removed to the prison at Car- 



84 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

lisle. His friends becoming exasperated at such 
treatment, and calling themselves Black Boys, de- 
termined to go to Carlisle and attempt his rescue. 
Through the persuasion of the Colonel, they desisted. 
On their return to Conococheague they met three 
hundred persons who had set out on the same errand, 
— so great, so intense, and so general was the ex- 
citement throughout the whole settlement. It was 
on this occasion that Dr. King delivered the following 
address to his congregation. And it teaches two 
things : (1) that he was a man of great moral courage, 
to stand up and deliver such an address, under 
such circumstances, in the very place where this ex- 
citement was so intense, and when so many of his 
own congregation sympathized so deeply in the move- 
ment. And (2) that Presbyterian ministers were 
then^ as they are noiv, law-abiding men. The ad- 
dress embodies principles in regard to subjection to 
the civil magistrate which are as important now as 
they were when they were delivered, on the occasion 
referred to. It may be added that Colonel Smith 
was honourably and justly acquitted of the charge 
preferred against him.* 

" The distractions which have lately agitated this 
part of the country, and I am sorry to say, have too 
much prevailed in this particular settlement, are in- 
deed a matter of no small uneasiness to me, and 
certainly it must appear a distressing consideration 
to every one that has any regard to the peace and 
* See *< Incidents of Border Life," pp. 67-70. 



CHURCH IN MERCERSBURG. 85 

good order of society, either civil or religious. These 
are both divine ordinances, and as such they claim a 
universal regard from every one who is a subject of 
them. Hence, to observe persons in a riotous man- 
ner openly setting themselves against the government, 
and endeavouring by force and arms to prevent the 
due administration of justice, must be deeply afflict- 
ing to every one who pays any respect to the divine 
authority in this wise and useful institution. Such 
practices are highly criminal in themselves, not only 
in a civil, but also in a religious sense. For if civil 
government is a divine institution, if ' the powers that 
be are ordained of God, then whosoever resisteth 
that power, resisteth the ordinance of God, and they 
that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.' 
These are the express words of the inspired Apostle, 
in Rom. xiii. 1, 2, where he carefully inculcates sub- 
jection and other duties which we owe to magistrates. 
He inculcates on Christians the duty of submission 
even to Heathen governors who had the rule at the 
time when he wrote ; and so of consequence, the ob- 
ligation binds with greater firmness under Christian 
governors. 

^'The first argument he uses for this duty, is the 
divine appointment of it : ' For there is no power 
but of God ; the powers that be are ordained of God.' 
He has, for the good of mankind, assigned different 
stations of rule and subjection among men, though 
they are all of one race, raising some above others, 
and clothing them with such authority whereby they 

8 



86 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

bear some resemblance to himself, and accordingly, 
he has communicated to them his own name: ^I have 
said ye are gods' (Psalm Ixxxii., 6) ; so that we see with 
what regard God himself speaks of magistrates and 
judges. He also makes use of that very power in 
magistracy to curb and punish those who despise it, 
as a strong obligation to bind us to obedience : ' For 
rulers are not a terror to good works,' &c. (v. 3, 4.) 
And further, he also adds another, of a higher ne- 
cessity, that binds more strongly, and is more accep- 
table, that is, a necessity of conscience : 'Wherefore,* 
says he, 'ye must needs be subject, not only for 
wrath, but for conscience sake.' This is the main 
consideration, and which is the sum of all the rest ; 
as if he had said : Have a reverent and conscientious 
respect to the ordinance of God, in the institution of 
government ; and to the providence of God in the 
choice of those particular persons, he calls to the ad- 
ministration of it, and submit yourselves to those who 
are thus set over you. This you must needs do, and that 
' not only for wrath, for fear of the magistrate's sword,' 
but out of a necessity of conscience, which makes a 
true willingness and an acceptable service ; and where 
this is done, it produces an agreeable and regular 
motion among all superiors and inferiors, states and 
families, magistrates and subjects, the one command- 
ing, the other obeying in the Lord. 

" We see the;n that this subjection is a necessary 
and commanded duty incumbent upon all ; and cer- 
tainly Christians are to consider themselves under 



CHURCH IN MERCERSBURG. 87 

the strongest obligations ; yea, it is so connected with 
religion, that I can scarcely think a person a good 
Christian, who is not a good civilian. A disposition 
to oppose, or to abet, or encourage the actual oppo- 
sition to civil government, is a temper of mind con- 
trary to the spirit of Christ, and unbecoming the 
Christian character. But we are still to remember 
that this subjection is not to infringe upon the rights 
of conscience, with respect to the authority and law 
of God, and the duty we owe to him; for the extent of 
all these relations and of all subjection and obedience 
is to be bounded by the unalterable obligations we are 
under to God, as supreme : ' Render therefore unto 
Caesar the things that are Caesar's,' but nothing of 
God's ; that is neither oic7's to give, nor his to receive. 
The law of God is the first and highest rule, and binds 
all, both kings and subjects, high and low, under in- 
violable and perpetual engagements. Magistrates 
and judges are peculiarly under the eye of God, and 
as he has elevated them to a higher station than 
others, so he peculiarly takes notice of their conduct : 
as the Supreme Judge, he sits and views their pro- 
ceedings, not only whether they do that which is 
just, but whether they judge righteously for conscience 
sake. They are accountable to God, and also to the 
laws of the land, if they go beyond their trust. 

"But should they leave their station, it affords no 
argument for uS to leave ours. Nay, if opposition 
should arise to such a height as to require opposition, 
which may sometimes happen in any government, 
such opposition ought to be made in a quiet, peace- 



88 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

able, and lawful manner, and not by force of arms, 
tumults, and riots, and the like. This is choosing the 
worst way, for no other reason but because it is the 
worst; for oppression itself will not justify opposition 
by force, until all milder measures have failed — much 
less is it justifiable when the circumstances of the 
case do not require it. 

"Upon the whole, then, as I conceive it my duty 
to reprove sin, in whatever light it appears, and as I 
am convinced that the resisting a divine ordinance is 
a sin, and that the disgraceful conduct of the late 
rioters deserves that character, I conceive that no 
upright and well-disposed mind can take offence at 
what I have declared concerning it. It is a story in 
the mouths of those who may be called our political 
adversaries, that the Presbyterians are disaffected 
towards the government, and that their teachers in- 
struct them so; and thus, though it is a charge upon 
that people in general, yet it comes sideways upon 
the ministers. And therefore I take this occasion 
publicly to declare my abhorrence and detestation of 
such riotous conduct, and most earnestly exhort and 
warn all those that hear me to abstain from it, and 
to avoid all those who do by any means encourage 
practices so destructive to the peace and good order 
of society — nay, so reproachful to human nature." 

It was but a few years after the occurrence of the 
event just mentioned, until the Colonies began to be 
agitated, from one extreme to the other, on the sub- 
ject of their connexion with Great Britain. The 



CHURCH IN MERCERSBURG. 89 

fires which had long been concealed were now begin- 
ning to give evidence of their existence. Great 
Britain had become more and more unyielding in her 
claims, and unrelenting ; and the American Colonies 
had become more determined than ever to maintain 
their rights, and to defend them at all hazards. 
From these positions neither party would recede. 
The breach had become too wide to be healed. The 
crisis had been reached, and the country was in arms. 
The same spirit which pervaded the Colonies at 
large, pervaded also the minds of the people here. 
The feelings of patriotism had been enkindled in 
their bosoms, and were to know no abatement in 
their ardour, until they had achieved their country's 
independence. In producing this spirit, and in fos- 
tering it, Dr. King was second to none of the Pres- 
byterian clergymen of his day. He not only volun- 
teered his services, and went as chaplain to the 
battalion which marched from this part of the coun- 
try, but many were the addresses which he delivered 
in behalf of the liberties of his country. It may be 
interesting to place on record a specimen of these 
addresses, which this patriotic minister made to the 
people during these trying times. 

At a meeting of the citizens of the neighbourhood, 
called to deliberate on the state of affairs, he thus 
spoke: — "Gentlemen, the occasion of your meeting 
here this day is of a most serious and alarming 
nature. Driven by the cruel hand of violence, you 

are now brought to the sad alternative, either of sub- 

8* 



90 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

mitting to the iron rod of oppression and slavery, or 
appearing under arms in the defence of your natural 
and sacred rights ; and your sentiments are required, 
which of these you will choose and resolutely adhere 
to. Let us consider a little the occasion of these 
movements. Whatever secret schemes may be at the 
bottom, we know that actions speak loud, and from 
these we may judge that the heaviest chains are 
being prepared for us — that a plan of the most per- 
fect slavery and oppression is laid, and is now in 
actual and violent execution. Say, which of your 
most sacred rights and invaluable franchises are not 
in danger by this plan? You think you have a 
natural right to use your own property. No ! says 
Parliament, we have a right to tax you as we please, 
without your concurrence. You think you have a 
right to be governed by your own laws, made by 
your own representatives. No ! says the Parliament, 
we have, and of right ought to have, full power to 
make laws and statutes sufficient to bind the Colonies 
and people of America in all cases whatsoever. This 
breaks down all your boasts of liberty at once, de- 
stroys your assemblies, and makes you absolutely 
subject to whatever burdens a corrupt ministry or a 
venal Parliament may please to lay upon you. You 
think you have a constitutional right to be tried, in 
cases of life, liberty, or property, by a jury of your 
vicinage. No ! you must in several cases be tried in 
England. You think that murderers should not 
escape. Yes ! says the Parliament, if they are en- 



GHUECH IN MERCERSBURG. 91 

gaged in our cause. Do you think your religion is 
safe ? Not very secure, indeed, when the Popish 
religion is established, and the French laws are set 
up just in our neighbourhood. Or can you think 
that even your lives will be safe under a dragooning 
military government ? 

" We hold our charters, and consequently our 
titles to our possessions, by the plighted faith of the 
Crown ; yet what regard is paid to this ? These 
charters are violated at the pleasure of Parliament, 
and so they may go on to divest us of every- 
thing we call our own. All these things (and in- 
deed these are but some of the cruel things) have 
been done by the last Parliament. And what has 
the present Parliament done ? Instead of relieving, 
they have increased our burdens. We waited, and 
hoped for assistance from friends in England ; but 
neither they nor we could be heard. One would 
say, we must confine our trade solely to Britain, 
Ireland, and the West Indies ; another, that the 
people of New England must not fish on the banks 
of Newfoundland (that may be reserved for their 
peaceable neighbours, the French); and a third, to 
enable the King to declare us actual rebels, and treat 
us accordingly, thousands of men are sent over to 
execute the fatal sentence. The cloud is gathering 
thicker and thicker ! Nay, it has already burst, and 
violence is begun. We hear pretty authentic ac- 
counts of an actual engagement. 

"Now this is our lamentable situation — and what 



92 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

will Tve do ? I am ready to anticipate your answer, 
and say that you will firmly resolve to stand for your 
liberties, and, with all your force, oppose these un- 
constitutional exertions of power. We have been 
opposing them in a peaceable way, but now we are 
drove to the worst, and must either submit or appeal 
to arms — that ^ultima ratio regtim,' the last argument 
of kings. But some will perhaps say it is taking up 
arms against the King, — a grievous crime, according 
to the English Constitution, and contrary to the 
command of the Apostle, who teaches that 'every 
soul be subject to the higher powers.' My sentiments 
of this matter are these. I acknowledge King George 
as my rightful sovereign ; I declare myself hi& sub- 
ject, and am willing to swear allegiance to him, and 
I do not doubt but every one of you would declare 
the same ; but still I do firmly believe that all 
allegiance is bounded by the constitution of our go- 
vernment, and all obedience is limited by the laws of 
God. It is, therefore, constitiitio7ial allegiance that 
we would declare. It is this that we plead for. It 
is obedience in things lawful that we are to pay, and 
beyond this the Apostle surely would never inculcate 
subjection to the earthly powers. That pernicious 
doctrine of passive obedience and non-resistance can 
stand upon no rational foundation, but is contrary 
thereto. It is absurd in itself, fraught with the most 
dangerous consequences, and only calculated for the 
meridian of Turkey or Tartary. The operation of 
it will never cease until we shall become like the 



CHURCH IN MERCERSBURG. 93 

slaves of Morocco, who, when their tyrant, perhaps 
for his sport, wounds them with a javelin, submis- 
sively employ their remaining strength to draw it 
out, and give it to him again, that he may give them 
the finishing blow. 

"Now, sirs, subjection is demanded of us, but it is 
not the constitutional subjection which we are in duty 
bound to pay ; it is not a legal subjection to the King 
they would bring us to — that we already acknowledge ; 
but it is a subjection to the British Parliament, or to 
the people of Great Britain : this we deny, and I hope 
will always deny. They are not our lords and 
masters ; they are no more than our brethren and fel- 
low-subjects. They call themselves, and it has been 
usual to call them, the mother country ; but this is 
only a name, and if there was anything in it, one 
would think that it should lead them to treat us like 
children, with parental affection. But is it fatherly 
or motherly, to strip us of everything, to rob us of 
every right and privilege, and then to whip and 
dragoon us with fleets and armies, till we are pleased ? 
No ! As the name does not belong to them, so their 
conduct shows they have no right to claim it. We 
are on an equal footing with them in all respects ; 
with respect to government and privileges ; and there- 
fore their usurpation ought to be opposed. Nay, 
when the King uses the executive branch of govern- 
ment, which is in his hand, to enable one part of his 
subjects to lord it over and oppress another, it is a 



94 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

sufficient ground of our applying to the laws of nature 
for our defence. 

" But this is the case with us. We have no other 
refuge from slavery but those powers which God has 
given us, and allowed us to use in defence of our dearest 
rights ; and I hope he will bless our endeavours, and 
give success to this oppressed people ; and that the 
wicked instruments of all these distractions, shall 
meet their due reward. I earnestly wish that in 
such troublous times, while we plead for liberty, a 
proper guard may be kept against any turbulent or 
mobbish outbreak, and that unanimity may be uni- 
versal, both in counsel and action, and that we may 
still have an eye to the great God, who has some im- 
portant reasons for such severe corrections. Let us 
look to the rod and him that hath appointed it ; let us 
humble ourselves before him daily for our sins, and 
depend upon him for success. If he be against us, 
in vain do we struggle ; if the Lord be for us, ' though 
an host should encamp against us, we need not be 
afraid. ' 

" Now from a right view of the state and circum- 
stances of these Colonies, every man of common sense 
will see that in this conflict nothing is more necessary 
than union, nothing more dangerous than division ; 
and if ever we are obliged to give up our sacred 
rights, it will not be by British force, but by enemies 
among ourselves. A state divided cannot stand, and 
therefore we should guard against division. Some 
will doubtless be so mean, as to prefer some present 



CHURCH IN MERCERSBURG. 95 

ease before the most lasting enjoyment, and rather 
than discompose themselves for the present, would 
submit to the vilest bondage ; so sordid, as to set up 
their own interest in -competition with the public 
good and this general cause, in which we are engaged. 
It is certain that all these are in a degree enemies to 
us, and should be avoided ; not only such as will not 
act with us, but such as will not act harmoniously. 
Everything that tends to break the harmony should 
be avoided." 

The following extract is from a sermon occasioned 
by the death of General Montgomery, preached Ja- 
nuary, 1777, from the text, " And all these things are 
against me." (Gen. xlii. 36;) " God's dealings with 
men when he is working their deliverance are often so 
dark and intricate, that they are apt to judge and say 
they are against them. This should prevent us forming 
hasty judgments concerning our circumstances, how- 
ever dark, nay, even desperate they may be. Such 
judgments of matters tend to depress that spirit and 
weaken that activity and force which are necessary 
to extricate from troubles : besides, they are injurious 
to the right exercise of faith in the goodness and 
power of God, and betray an ignorance of the methods 
of his providence. Let us, therefore, in our circum- 
stances guard against them. They arise from a 
weakness of faith, from cowardice, from principles of 
sense, from partial views of the matter, and from igno- 
rance of God. To admit and to follow such a judgment 
in our case would be dishonourable to our cause and 



90 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

attended with certain ruin. For surely we have still 
reason for the exercise of faith and confidence in 
God, that he will not give a people up to the un- 
limited will and power of others, who have done all 
they could to avoid the calamity, and have so strenu- 
ously adhered to the cause of reason and humanity ; 
— a people who have been attacked with unprovoked 
violence, and driven with the greatest reluctance to 
take up arms for their defence ; — a people whom he 
himself by a series of providential actings hath gra- 
dually led on to this condition. That he should 
give up such a people to the tyranny of masters, who 
impiously invade his own prerogative, and mark their 
proceedings with such instances of barbarity and in- 
humanity as nature itself abhors — let us never entertain 
a thought so derogatory to the honour and justice of 
Him who is the Judge of all the earth, and will surely 
do that which is right. He is the judge of right, the 
guardian of innocence, the protector of truth, and 
the defence of the oppressed. ' The Lord is the re- 
fuge for the oppressed; he will maintain the cause of 
the afflicted ; he hath appointed his arrows against the 
persecutors.' 

"Therefore, when these are our circumstances, we 
may rationally judge that God is not an unconcerned 
spectator, but that he sees and will reward the per- 
secutors. Many things, indeed, seem to be against 
us ; a very great and powerful enemy, who have been 
long trained to victory; their numerous and savage 
allies, who, having lost their liberty, would have others 



CHURCH IN MERCERSBURG. 97 

in the same condition ; our weakness and inexperience 
in war ; internal enemies, which we cannot well root 
out; the loss of many of our friends, and a beloved and 
able Greneral. But let not these destroy our hopes, or 
damp our spirits. To put too much confidence in 
man, is the way to provoke God to deprive us of 
them. This may perhaps be that darkness which pre- 
cedes the glorious day. Nor let us judge that the 
cause is lost, even though we should be brought much 
lower still. God may have great things to do with 
this people. This land he made use of as a refuge 
for his oppressed people, and has brought them up 
to maturit}^ in it ; and he may now be about to make 
them eminent in the world, and give them a name 
among the nations of the earth. Should this be the 
case, let us not wonder that we should travail in birth ; 
that so great a nation should be born into political 
life and independence with sore pangs and blood. 
It is agreeable to God's method to bring low before 
he exalteth ; to humble before he raises up. Let us 
trust in him, and do our duty, and commit the event 
to his determination, who can make those things to 
be for us, which by a judgment of sense, we are ready 
to say are against us." 

The following was addressed to Captain Huston's 
company, as they were about to leave their homes for 
the battle-field. " My brethren — I hope you will 
remember the designs and resolutions with which you 
at first consented to, and joined in, the public oppo- 
sition to the tyranny of Great Britain. I hope that 

9 



98 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

at this time of great necessity, you will not suffer the 
fire and warlike spirit to faint, and so manifest all 
that you have hitherto done and said, to signify 
nothing. It appears that even now is the critical 
and trying time ; our enemy making their main push, 
and at the same time coming into such circumstances 
as they will be most in our power. While they con- 
tinued under the cover and convoy of their ships, 
they were out of our reach ; now, it seems, they have 
taken the land, and come into such circumstances as 
we desired. But our divided army cannot operate 
against their number, without an addition. You are 
loudly called upon to go to its assistance. Indeed, 
the case itself speaks so loudly, as is sufficient to 
rouse every spark of martial fire that may be in you. 

" There is, one would think, no need of words. 
Your country, lives, liberties, and estates in danger, 
all cry most bitterly for help ! And why should 
there be the least appearance of backwardness among 
you ? I am glad to hear that some among you are 
so hearty in the cause, as by their readiness to the 
service, to show that they still desire to be free, and 
were in earnest when they said they would defend 
their liberties with their lives. 

" The case is plain ; life must be hazarded, or all is 
gone. You must go and fight, or send your humble 
submission, and bow as a beast to its burden, or as an 
ox to the slaughter. The Kino; of Great Britain has 
declared us rebels ; a capital crime. Submission there- 
fore consents to the rope or the axe. Liberty is doubt- 



CHURCH IN MERCERSBURG. 99 

less gone ; none could imagine a tyrant king should 
be more favourable to conquered rebels, than he was to 
loyal, humble, petitioning subjects. No ! No ! If ever 
a people lay in chains, we must, if our enemies carry 
their point against us, and oblige us to unconditional 
submission. This is not all. Our Tory neighbours 
will be our proud and tormenting enemies. But sup- 
pose that all this were tolerable, and you might think 
that it might be submitted to, there is still a greater 
monster behind, that is. Persecution. I do not mean 
persecution on a religious account, though I have not 
the least doubt but that will also be the case. The Eng- 
lish Government, every one knows, is favourable to 
Episcopacy ; it has found the benefit of it, and it is 
to all appearance as fond of the maxim, * No Bishop, 
no King,'' as ever. This was and is designed, and 
will no doubt be the case here, if they succeed in con- 
quering us. 

*' But as sure as you sit there, you may expect a 
political persecution. It has ever been the case, 
that hard and tyrannical oaths have been imposed by 
conquerors in such cases ; and if we are overcome, 
what may we expect but oaths to bind us to passive 
obedience and non-resistance, which no conscientious 
man could take ; but yet, must take or suffer. 
And how miserable a case must it be to be bound by 
an oath to a principle of the deepest slavery, and 
such as cuts off the only remedy against tyranny ! 

'' Now, gentlemen, you see what we have to expect ; 
and surely it must appear to you intolerable, and 



100 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

such as must make you still adhere to the glorious 
struggle for liberty. To be discouraged at what has 
already happened, is meanly to give up the cause. 
Surely no one ever expected the war to be carried 
on with Great Britain without the loss of lives, and 
those who die must have their friends to lament them. 
This is what we expected, and though we mourn and 
are sorrowful for them, and for the success of the 
English, yet let not this discourage. I sincerely feel 
the distress, and pray God to enable you to be sup- 
ported under it!" 

An extract from a sermon preached from the text, 
"Be thou faithful unto death," (Rev. ii. 10,) will 
close these deeply interesting addresses. '^My dear 
brethren — Since God, in the course of his providence 
has so ordered matters, as to require every true- 
hearted American to appear in defence of his liberties, 
it affords me great pleasure to see you stand forth, 
with others, in the glorious cause. We have heard 
your declarations on the point, we have seen your 
diligence in preparing, and now we see that these 
were not the efforts of cowardice, boasting at a dis- 
tance, but that in real earnestness your hearts have 
been engaged in the matter. After observing in you 
this heroic and laudable disposition, I apprehend 
there need not much be said to animate you in the 
grand object of your present attention, and more 
especially as you enter upon this warfare, not from 
the low and sordid views which are the main object 
of ignorant mercenaries, but with a proper know- 



CHURCH IN MERCERSBURG. 101 

ledge of the reasons of the contest, and I hope, too, 
with a consciousness of duty. 

" You see an open field before you, wherein you may 
acquire reputation and honour to yourselves, and do 
a most beneficial service to your country. The cause 
of American Independence and Liberty, which has 
now called you to go forth to the scene of action, is 
indeed a cause in which it will be glorious to conquer 
and honourable to die. The victory, however dearly 
bought, will be but a cheap purchase ; for what of all 
worldly goods can be of equal value to freedom from 
slavery, the free and lawful enjoyment and use of 
our own property, and the free possession of our own 
lives and consciences ? This is an object worthy of our 
vigorous exertions ; a prize worthy of a Christian 
soldier ; a prize we are commanded to strive for, by 
the voice of Nature and the voice of God. We have 
now assumed the independent rank we ought to bear 
among the nations of the earth, and we are resolved 
to be free. Our enemies, with all their own and 
foreign force they could obtain, are attempting their 
utmost to make us slaves ; and this appears to be the 
main time of the trial — the very turning-point which 
will decide the question, and determine either for 
freedom or bondage. If their designs can be baffled 
for this campaign, it is most probable they will de- 
spair of success, and give up the cause. At least it 
will be a powerfully animating motive for Americans 

to proceed on in that cause, with which they must at all 

9* 



102 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

events go through, having nothing before them but suc- 
cess, or the most ignominious and shameful alternative. 

But though it is a worthy and honourable cause in 
which you now engage, you are still to consider that 
it is attended with danger. The instruments of 
death you carry in your hands, and the power of 
your enemies, by no means contemptible, declare it 
to be such. Victory can hardly be expected without 
blood ; and in such a contest, death itself may be to 
some of you a certain, and to all a probable event. 
By putting you in mind of this, I would- not mean to 
intimidate, but caution you to maintain an habitual 
fear of God, and a concern about death and eternity 
which may beget in you a readiness to meet the worst 
of events. True courage does not consist in proud 
contempt or thoughtless disregard of death; nay, 
he is possessed of true courage who allows the serious 
thought of death its proper weight, yet in a virtuous 
cause prefers his duty before his life. A man of 
true fortitude is one who sees the danger, yet from 
superior motives despises it. 

"You may therefore observe from this, that there is 
no soldier so truly courageous as a pious man ; no 
army so formidable as those who are superior to the 
fear of death, and consequently, that no one qug^lifi- 
cation is more necessary in a soldier than true re- 
ligion. And now as you are about to go on this ser- 
vice, I would have you to apply this to yourselves. 
Many of you have been under my care, and as it may 
perhaps come to pass, that this may be the last time 



CHURCH IN MERCERSBURG. 103 

I have in this manner to speak to you, suffer me with 
the greatest earnestness to beseech and exhort you 
to be watchful over your souls, to strive after accept- 
ance with God ; for, you must know that if you are 
not at peace with him and are strangers to the Lord 
Jesus, that however you fall, you must be wretched. 
Endeavour, therefore, to cultivate religion; and in 
good earnest care for your precious souls. Without 
this you cannot prosper. Especially be watchful 
that neither your thoughts, words, or actions be dis- 
honourable to God. Avoid swearing, profaneness, 
lewdness, drunkenness, and every instance of cruelty. 
How awful is it to think that those who engage in 
war should be despisers of God, and abusers of the 
sacred name of the Lord of Hosts — that they should 
expect success while they are the enemies of Jehovah, 
and expose themselves to the imminent danger of 
being immediately sent from their profanity and 
wickedness on earth, to the blaspheming rage and 
despairing horrors of the infernal pit ! It is too 
often the case, that soldiers claim a latitude to them- 
selves in vice ; and so armies have been observed to 
be almost sinks of wickedness. Let it not be said of 
any of you. Nor let anything which would bring 
a dishonour on the cause you serve, or the profes- 
sion you have made, be remarked concerning you," 

Such was the spirit of Dr. King in those perilous 
times of our country's history. And such was the 
spirit of patriotism in this congregation, that it con- 
tributed its full proportion of men and officers to 



104 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

advocate our cause and to defend our rights. I have 
no means of ascertaining the precise number of men 
and officers who were thus actually engaged in the 
war of Independence ; but there were many of the 
best and noblest sons of this congregation who for 
the sake of their country, had " pledged their lives, 
their fortunes, and their sacred honour." I find, how- 
ever, from the Church Register, that the number of 
those who were killed, and who died by oppression of 
the enemy, and in consequence of disease contracted 
while in service, amounts to nine.'^ How highly 
should we prize our liberties which were thus so 
dearly bought by toil and self-denial, by sufi"erings 
and death ! How closely should we consider the 
connexion which exists between these liberties and 
our own beloved Church ! And how solicitous should 
we be to transmit these liberties to the generations 
which are to succeed us^ as pure as we received them 
from those who preceded us and bequeathed them to 
us. Never may the time come in the history of this 

* Jonathan Smith, a ruling elder, died of camp fever, at Am- 
boy, Oct. 13th, 1776. 

John Campbell, by oppression of the enemy, Oct. 30th, 1776. 

James McCoy, killed at Fort Washington, Nov. 16th, 1776. 

Dugal Campbell, died of camp fever in New Jersey, January, 
1777. 

Patrick McClelland, by oppression of the enemy, 1777. 

Joseph Watson, killed in battle, Dec, 1777. 

Capt. Robert McCoy, killed at Crooked-billet, May 1st, 1778. 

William Dean, " " " " 

William Sterret, " *' " " 



CHURCH IN MEKCERSBURG. 105 

Church, when the spirit of patriotism which dwelt in 
the bosoms of our friends and forefathers, shall lose 
its vigour, or become extinct in the hearts of those 
who are their descendants and successors ! 

In 1777, the following persons were added to the 
session : Messrs. Patrick Maxwell, Joseph Van Lear, 
Matthew Wilson, William Lowery, James McFarland, 
and Henry Helm. In 1786, the town of Mercers- 
burg was laid out. Its population, and that of the 
adjacent neighbourhood increasing, it was deemed 
expedient to have preaching in town.* For this 
purpose an edifice was erected in 1794, and for a 
number of years was without a ceiling, floor, pews, 
or pulpit. The ground on which it stands, and that 
which surrounds it, was given to the congregation by 
the Hon. Robert Smith. In 1772, Messrs. William 
Waddell, Archibald' Irwin, James Crawford, and 
John Holiday, were added to the session ; in 1799, 
Messrs. John McMullin, John Johnston, Edward 
W^elsh, William Reynolds, Robert McFarland, and 
John McCullough; and in 1800, Mr. John Scott, 
Robert McDowell, and James Dickey. 

From the close of the war, after the state of public 
affairs had become more settled, until 1811, when 
Dr. King, in consequence of increasing bodily afflic- 
tions, resigned his pastoral charge, the state of the 
congregation was peaceful and prosperous. At every 
communion season, its numbers of professing dis- 

* The original place of preaching is two and a half miles from 
town. 



106 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

ciples were increased by new accessions. During 
the whole of Dr. King's ministry in this church, he 
baptized nine hundred and fifty persons ; and there 
were admitted to the Communion four hundred and 
eighty. These numbers, however, are not strictly 
accurate, as the Doctor's infirmities during the latter 
part of his ministry were so great that the Church 
Register was but imperfectly kept. There were 
persons both baptized and admitted to the commu- 
nion of the church, whose names are not recorded. 
Dr. King was a man of piety and of extensive 
acquirements. His labours were owned of God, 
and eminently blessed in building up this church. 
His memory still lives in the grateful remembrance 
and strong afi"ections of not a few who are spared 
with us to the present time, some of whom bear the 
seal of baptism as administered by his own hand, 
and others of whom are his spiritual children, and 
will be "his joy and crown of rejoicing in the pre- 
sence of Jesus Christ at his coming." 

It may be interesting to know something more of 
the life and character of this divine, who was second 
to none in his day in the Presbyterian Church in 
this country. For this purpose we will avail our- 
selves of a brief memoir, penned by himself, and 
extending to the tenth year of his settlement as 
pastor of this church ; and of a sermon which was 
preached by the Rev. John McKnight, D.D., his 
intimate friend and companion, at the request of the 
church. 



CHURCH IN MERCERSBURG. 107 

Dr. King thus writes : "I am now nearly thirty- 
nine years of age, being born December 5th, 1T40. 
The wonderful providence of God has so long spared 
my life ! — a life dishonourable and unprofitable ! 
Oh, that my soul may be deeply humbled in the 
review of such a vain and froward, such a slothful 
and inactive life as I have spent, while I here record 
my thankfulness for that goodness and mercy of 
God, that has educated and protected me, that has 
so long spared me notwithstanding my innumerable 
provocations of him, that has in any degree fitted 
me for some usefulness in the world, that has given 
me at least talents which might be profitable for the 
good of my fellow-creatures, and especially so if I 
had improved them as I ought ; and let my soul be 
thankful that I have been made acquainted in any 
comfortable measure with that amazing way of sal- 
vation in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and 
that, through the providence, and, I hope, the grace, 
of God, I have been brought to be a preacher to 
others ! 

" It is impossible for me to recollect or record all 
the instances of the goodness of God to me, his 
unworthy creature and unprofitable servant. No 
more can I call to mind the innumerable instances 
in which I have dishonoured him, through my sinful 
life. But these I must remember, for I know and 
feel them ; and oh that that gracious God, who has 
been so liberal in his goodness, would deeply impress 
my heart with a sense of them, and awaken in my 



108 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

soul that love and thankfulness and praise Avhich 
becomes a creature so highly obliged ! Let me from 
henceforth take a more particular notice of the good- 
ness of God, and (not in that careless, unfeeling 
manner I was wont, but with all my heart) acknow- 
ledge it. Let me with care and exactness observe 
his dealings toward me, and that which may be most 
remarkable in my own temper and conduct toward 
him, and labour to improve in humility, heavenly- 
mindedness, and holy walk with God. 

" My father, Robert King, whom I believe to have 
been a pious man, was careful to educate me in the 
principles of the religion of Christ, and inculcate the 
necessity of holiness and faith in order to salvation. 
When I grew up, I recollect that I was sometimes 
exercised very seriously with the consideration of 
eternity, and the necessity of preparing for it ; with 
the thoughts of sin and my liableness to misery, 
which led me to the exercise of prayer, in which I 
fear I too much rested, though I had found my heart 
sometimes much softened, and thought I had some 
freedom in receiving and resting on Jesus Christ for 
salvation. The sins of my heart and frequent falls 
prevented me from forming any conclusive judgment 
that my state was good, though I had some hope 
that I had such a view of my sins as had led me to 
Jesus Christ, and that I had a prevailing love to 
God and holiness. 

"When I was about thirteen years old, I was put 
to the grammar school, at which I continued till I 



CHURCH IN MERCERSBURG. 109 

had read the Greek and Latin classics, Logic, Meta- 
physics, and Moral Philosophy. After this, my 
father not judging that he could bear the expense 
of sending me to college immediately, I came to 
West Conococheague, in Cumberland (now Franklin) 
County, where I spent almost three years in teaching 
school, during which I initiated some young boys in 
the Latin language. During this time I was, in 
general, too careless about the exercise of religion in 
my own soul, and recollect not anything very re- 
markable about such exercises, until at the celebra- 
tion of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, at East 
Conococheague, by the Rev. Messrs. Steel and Roan, 
— the first time that I joined to partake in that solemn 
ordinance, — when I found myself unusually impressed 
with the concerns of religion, and in the exercise of 
prayer before and in the work of communion during 
the service, had much freedom in devoting myself 
to Christ and receiving him. Yet still, afterwards, 
I had reason to complain of my heart, as careless 
about religion, and too vain and prone to diversions 
and unprofitable and hurtful pastimes, as well as 
inclined to know sin too much. 

" The Indian war increasing in 1763, my sister that 
lived here being killed by the Indians, and the school 
declining, I quitted this part and returned to Little 
Britain, in Lancaster County, the place of my birth 
and education. There I continued until the middle 
of the fall, 1764, in great perplexity about the manner 
of life I should engage in. I had often entertained 

10 



110 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

a thought of the ministry, but for many winters had 
been prone to a hoarseness, and my voice weak at 
best, I concluded, after much exercise in prayer for 
light in the determination, to lay that aside and apply 
myself to the study of physic. I went to Philadel- 
phia, and there agreed with Dr. John Boyd, as an 
apprentice. Returned home, and set off for Balti- 
more, where I continued near three months, when 
Dr. Boyd, who had been at Philadelphia for the re- 
covery of his health, returned home. I found that 
the place did not suit me, as he, at that time, dealt 
as an apothecary and followed not the practice of 
medicine. I again came home, after much loss of 
time and money, and still intent on the practice of 
medicine, went to Philadelphia, applied to Dr. Kearsly, 
and had nearly agreed with him, which probably 
would have fixed my condition in that way ; but in 
the mean time was led, by the advice of my first 
Latin master, Thomas McGee, to go and consult Dr. 
Allison, Vice-Provost of the College, on that head. 
The Doctor advised me warmly to desist in my at- 
tempts towards physic, and to enter College with a 
view to the ministry. I reflected on the various pro- 
vidences with which I had been exercised in the 
matter, and followed his advice. I entered College 
May 6th, 1765, and commenced, A. B., May 20th, 
1766. Having returned home, I applied myself to 
the study of divinity till March 11th, 1767, when I 
entered upon trials for the ministry in the Second 



CHURCH IN MERCERSBURG. Ill 

Philadelphia Presbytery, and was licensed \o preach 
on the 13th day of August following. 

" The most of that fall and ensuing winter, I 
preached at New London, in the bounds of the New 
Castle Presbytery, having paid a visit to West Cono- 
cocheague before the winter. Near the opening of 
the spring, I was invited to Conococheague, by the 
congregation of which I am now the pastor. After 
accepting their call, I was received on trials in the 
Donegal Presbytery. April 11th, 1769, I delivered 
my first trial discourses ; and on the 30th day of 
August following, was ordained and installed as 
Pastor of the Church at Upper West Conococheague. 
During all these changes, my exercises about religion 
had been various, but a prevailing desire to glorify 
God in being useful to immortal souls, I trust, was 
my ruling motive in entering into this great and 
awful service ; while the consideration of the pre- 
mentioned providential dispensations, the talents 
which God has given me (which however small in 
comparison of others) I thought might render me, 
through grace, of some use in the Christian Church, 
and the unanimous call of this people, led me to think 
it my duty to enter upon this work. may God 
forgive my innumerable neglects and miscarriages in 
it, and strengthen my dependence on his all-sufficient 
grace, to enable me for the future more faithfully to 
discharge the important duties of it ! Having settled 
in this congregation in June, 1768, I was married 
to Elizabeth McDowell, the third daughter of Mr. 



112 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

John McDowell, of this place, on April 2d, 1771, 
and have continued in the enjoyment of agreeable 
circumstances until now. I had been always healthy 
and visited Avith no considerable sickness, until in 
September, 1775, when I fell into a dangerous fever." 

Thus far we have given Dr. King's autobiography. 
We now follow the Rev. Dr. McKnight in his funeral 
sermon. 

"Dr. King was Pastor of this Congregation for 
forty-two years. During the last six years of his 
life, he laboured under a rheumatic complaint, with 
which he was severely afflicted, and which baffled 
every medical application. For four years, however, 
of this time, he continued in the exercise of his mi- 
nistry, in the latter part of which, his limbs were so 
enfeebled that he was not able to stand, and officiated 
in a chair fixed in the pulpit. Finding his complaint 
still increasing, and his prospects of usefulness, in a 
public capacity, at an end, he resigned his charge 
September, 1811. His complaint continued to in- 
crease, and his bodily strength to decline, until he 
became utterly helpless. Some time before his death, 
he was seized with a violent fever, which brought his 
natural life to a close. He died July 15th, 1813, in 
the seventy-third year of his age. 

" Dr. King was a man of good natural parts, which 
he diligently cultivated. And in particular, from 
the time of his being settled in the ministry, being 
placed in favourable circumstances for study, he in- 
dustriously improved what time he could redeem from 



CHUKCH IN MERCERSBURG. 113 

the immediate duties of his office, in acquiring the 
knowledge of all those branches of literature and 
science which tended to respectability and usefulness. 
Besides being a good Latin and Greek scholar, he 
had a competent acquaintance with the Hebrew and 
the French. He had studied Natural and Moral 
Philosophy, Astronomy, the Mathematics, and Logic 
with attention, and had a considerable general know- 
ledge of Chemistry. He had paid considerable at- 
tention to Ecclesiastical History. With Divinity 
and its several branches, he was well acquainted. 
Influenced by his well-known and established cha- 
racter, as a scholar and a divine, the Trustees of 
Dickinson College, at one of its first commencements 
in the College, viz., in the year 1792, conferred on 
him the degree of D.D. In the same year, he was 
elected Moderator of the General Assembly. 

''Dr. King was the author of several small publica- 
tions, particularly a Catechism for the instruction of 
youth in the principles of the Christian religion, and 
more especially calculated to fortify them against 
the spirit of scepticism and infidelity which, at the 
time of its publication, threatened to corrupt the 
principles and morals of many ; of some pieces in the 
Assembly's Magazine, on the subject of a man's 
marrying his former wife's sister ; of a Dissertation 
on the Prophecies, referring to the present times, &c. 
As a companion. Dr. King was sociable, cheerful, 
and instructing. As a friend, he was sincere, affec- 
tionate, uniform, and faithful. In his principles. Dr. 

10* 



114 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

King was strictly orthodox — a -uniform and warm 
friend of the great doctrines of grace. His piety 
was rational and warm. His life fully corresponded 
with his profession, and he has left behind him a 
character unsullied by a blot. He evinced an in- 
creasing concern for the interests of Zion ; and, so 
far from being of a bigoted or contracted spirit, he 
held friendly intercourse with persons of different 
denominations, and was ready to countenance and 
encourage all who appeared desirous of promoting 
the cause of religion. He was ready to distribute, 
and willing to communicate to every real object of 
charity that presented itself, and to such literary 
institutions as promised to be useful. Though his 
afflictions were severe and of long continuance, and 
though he was considerably advanced in years, yet 
he retained, until very near the close of his life, his 
intellectual powers, very little impaired. His mind 
was still vigorous and active. 

"Let us now take a view of the state of his mind 
under his affliction, and in prospect of his approach- 
ing dissolution. And here I shall introduce a com- 
munication on the subject from Mr. Elliott, your 
present worthy pastor: — 'I visited Dr. King,' re- 
marks Mr. Elliott, ' some weeks before his death, and 
during his last illness. He entered into an animated 
conversation with respect to his views of religion, 
and the peculiar experiences of his mind. He spoke 
in exalted terms of the doctrines of grace, as the 
only foundation of a sinner's hopes. He said he 



CHURCH IN MEllCERSBURG. 115 

could see nothing in his past life which afforded him 
any ground of dependence, and that he had no hope 
from any other quarter, but from the glorious scheme 
of redemption, as revealed in the word of God. "iVo 
other way /" said he : " Nothing will do hut this /" He 
observed that he frequently felt a desire to be more 
fully acquainted with the glorious character of God 
than what perhaps was justifiable. He believed 
Christians ought to be careful not to transcend the 
limits assigned them in the word of God, adding, 
Hhat the word was our only standard and directory 
with respect to the great mysteries of religion, and 
that to it we ought to keep close.' During the in- 
tervals of fever, when his mind was capable of regular 
exertion, he said he was generally in prayer for him- 
self and others. He was much afraid that he was 
too desirous to depart. He longed for the time when 
he should be delivered from his affliction. But he 
frequently observed, that he strove and prayed against 
an improper solicitude, wishing to wait the Lord's 
time. 

" ' About two weeks after the above conversation, 
and about ten days before his death, I was present 
at his bedside, and upon his complaining that he 
suffered much, I observed that I hoped he received 
abundant support from above. " yes,'' said he, "T 
am greatly supported.'' He then observed that he 
had been strongly tempted, some time before, to 
doubt with respect to the foundation of his hopes ; 
and whether that system of truth on which he had 



116 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

built his faith was agreeable to the word of God. 
Convinced that he had, long ago, carefully examined 
into the ground of his belief, he sought comfort in 
prayer to God, and it was not long till he experienced 
it. ^^ I have now^'' said he, with a tear of joy sparkling 
in his eye, ''' I have noio no doubt of my love to Crod. 
He is the most glorious of all objects. None other can 
be compared to him!" Thus lived and thus died this 
servant of the Lord. Both in his life and by his 
death, he has borne honourable testimony to the re- 
ligion of Jesus, of which he was a professor, and of 
which he was a minister. Having done much, and 
suffered much according to the will of God, he has 
"fallen asleep," and has been gathered to his 
fathers.' " 



PERIOD III. 

FROM THE SETTLEMENT OF THE REV. DAVID ELLIOTT, D.D., AS 
PASTOR, A.D. 1812, TO THE CLOSE OF HIS MINISTRY IN THIS 
CHURCH, A. D. 1829. 

After an interval of about a year from the resig- 
nation of Dr. King, the congregation invited the Rev. 
David Elliott, a Licentiate of the Carlisle Presbytery, 
to become their Pastor. He having accepted the 
invitation, was ordained and installed, October 7th, 
A. D. 1812. The number of families belonging to 



CHURCH IN MERCERSBURG. 117 

the congregation at the time of his settlement was 
one hundred and thirty-seven. 

In 1813, the Presbyterian Church in St. Thomas 
was organized ; most of the families and members of 
which were connected with this Church. This new 
organization was found to be expedient on account 
of the increase of the population of that district of 
country, and their distance from our places of worship, 
which rendered it difficult for them to attend upon 
the public means of grace. By the organization of 
the Church at St. Thomas, the limits of this congre- 
gation became still more circumscribed : and yet in 
the end, it has resulted more in the furtherance of 
the Gospel, than if the parts separated had continued 
in connexion with us. 

In 1814, the following persons were added to the 
Session : Messrs. Thomas M'Dowell, David Dunwoody, 
and John M'Coy (of John). In 1815, the Sabbath 
School was commenced. It was begun amidst great 
difficulties and discouragements. At this early 
period, it was a new thing in the Christian Church 
in this region. But by the perseverance of the few 
who had engaged in it, not only did they see it begin, 
but they were also permitted to see it subsequently 
in full and efficient operation. And from that time 
to the present, though attended with many fluctua- 
tions, its exercises have never been suspended for 
any length of time. How much good has been 
achieved by it, in its nearly forty years' existence. 
Eternity alone will disclose. Impressions have 



118 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

doubtless been made upon the minds of those who 
have been, and those who are now scholars, which 
can never be effaced. And though, for a time, the 
seed which has been sown may seem to be lost, yet 
under the life-giving influence of God's Spirit, it may 
still issue in a rich and glorious harvest. 

The year 1818 is memorable in the history of this 
Church for the establishment of the Social Prayer- 
Meeting. The circumstances which led to its forma- 
tion are thus related in a letter from Dr. Elliott. 
^' The want of some meetins; of this kind had been 
sensibly felt by me, from the time of my settlement, 
but the difficulty of getting suitable persons to lead, 
prevented an earlier attempt to organize one. After 
the removal of Mr. James M'Farland to town, it was 
a frequent subject of conversation between him, 
Major Brownson, and myself. Finally, one Sabbath 
afternoon, Mr. M'Farland, Mr. George King, Major 
Brownson and myself were together at Mr. M'Far- 
land's. The prayer-meeting became the topic of con- 
versation, and it was agreed that we would attempt 
its organization. This being agreed upon, I re- 
marked to them, that it was the best time to begin 
immediately, and that we should date the commence- 
ment of the meeting from that afternoon. This was 
assented to, and after spending some time in social 
prayer, we adjourned to meet again on the next 
Sabbath afternoon, or perhaps that day two weeks. 
In the mean time we mentioned the subject as we 
had opportunity, to several of those who we supposed 



CHURCH IN MERCEllSBUIlG. 119 

would favour the object. A few additional persons 
attended the next day ; and in a few weeks the 
meetings were so large that we held them in Mr. 
Cowan's shop. In these meetings we had many de- 
lightful seasons." And thus from this small begin- 
ning, did one of the most important means of grace 
in this Church take its origin. And from that time 
onward has it been continued ; sometimes flourishing 
and at other times depressed ; but at all times a source 
of richest consolation, and a means of quickening and 
of encouragement to those who attend it in a becoming 
spirit. 

In 1819, the congregation having so increased, it 
was found necessary to erect in the country a new 
house of worship. The old church had been twice 
enlarged, but was still insufficient to accommodate the 
congregation. The new church edifice was com- 
pleted in 1820 : it cost near six thousand dollars. 
About this time the congregation was in a condition 
the most flourishing and prosperous. It numbered 
upwards of one hundred and seventy families, and 
had connected with it two Bible classes ; the female 
consisting of one hundred and seven members, and the 
male of seventy. This prosperous state of things, how- 
ever, did not long continue. A change took place, 
which, carrying its influence through a series of years, 
so greatly diminished the congregation in numbers, 
that it has never fully recovered from it. The fol- 
lowing causes may be mentioned as bringing about this 
change : 



120 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

1. The organization of a church in Loudon. This 
took place in 1820, and was the means of taking off 
a number of families, which had been connected with 
this congregation. After it was organized, it enjoyed 
for several years the ministerial labours of the Rev. 
Isaac Kellar ; and subsequently those of the Rev. 
Robert Kennedy ; but it has since become extinct. 

2. Another cause was a change in the times. Prior 
to this, everything appeared to be in the most pros- 
perous condition. Providence had smiled upon the 
labours of the husbandman, and the earth had 
yielded her increase. Our commerce was whitening 
every sea ; and our manufactories were accumulating 
vast wealth for their owners. The expansion of the 
credit system was never greater; and our citizens 
began to feel that they were in the full tide of pros- 
perity. But a change ensued. The smiles of Provi- 
dence were withdrawn. Judgment began to be min- 
gled with mercies. And the j^^^^sure became uni- 
versal throughout the whole extent of our country. 
It was felt here also. Not a few of our farmers, who 
had purchased their lands at enormous prices, and 
others who had made improvements at a great ex- 
pense, were so affected by this ' change of times,' 
that to meet their liabilities their all was swept from 
them. It is supposed that by this reverse of fortune 
more than half a score of the best families and sup- 
porters of this congregation were almost entirely 
ruined in their temporal circumstances. that men 
would profit by the history of the past ! How vain 



CHURCH IN MERCBRSBURG. 121 

and fleeting are all earthly possessions ! " Riches 
make to themselves wings." Why not then, from 
such considerations as these, give heed to our Saviour's 
counsel: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon 
earth, where moth and rust, do corrupt, and where 
thieves break through and steal; but lay up for 
yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth 
nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not 
break through nor steal." (Matt. vi. 19, 20.) 

3. But there was still another cause, which was 
far more felt in this respect than either of the pre- 
ceding. In the years 1821, '22, and '23, an epidemic 
sickness prevailed to so great an extent, that the 
whole neighbourhood resembled a vast hospital. The 
number of those in health were almost insufficient, 
in many places, to take care of the sick. The effect 
of this visitation was, that in the first mentioned year 
twenty -five persons died ; and in the latter, forty-five 
— thus making an aggregate of seventy-two persons 
within two years. And of these seventy-two, many 
were members of the church in full communion ; many 
were heads of families; and some of them among the 
most liberal contributors to the support of the Gospel. 
So extensive and so rapid was the work of death, 
that in a period of nine years, commencing in 1820, 
not less than 07ie hundred and thirty communicating 
members became its victims, — a number equal to that 
which, under ordinary circumstances, would not 
occur in eighteen years. On these scenes of sadness 

and sorrow I will not dwell. They are deeply im- 

11 



122 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

pressed upon the minds and hearts of many among 
us. Many there are who in the rending of relation- 
ships the closest and most endearing on earth, will 
never forget the poignancy of that grief, which 
during that distressing season, was poured forth more 
than once, around the bed of their dying, or at the 
grave of their departed friends. With these im- 
pressions still vivid and deeply fixed in the mind, 
may they have the consciousness and the evidence, 
that they have been sanctified to them. "For the 
Lord will not cast ofi* for ever : but though He cause 
grief, yet will He have compassion, according to the 
multitude of his mercies. For He doth not afflict 
willingly, nor grieve the children of men. " 

In 1822, the following persons were added to the 
Session : Messrs. John Brownson, John McCoy (of 
Robert), and William Crawford. In 1825, the Fe- 
male Domestic Missionary Society was formed. At 
first, it was auxiliary to the Foreign Missionary 
Society, but subsequently changed its relation, and 
became auxiliary to our Domestic Board. At its 
first formation it numbered eighty-three members. 
The total amount of funds contributed since its 
organization is one thousand dollars. It is worthy 
of remark, that probably there is not another society 
of the kind within the bounds of our Synod, which 
has been in existence for so long a time, or which has 
operated more efficiently. What may be the fruits 
of these offerings of love, will not be known in time ; 
although even here, the hearts of its members may 



CHURCH IN MERCERSBUllG. 123 

be gladdened, as by the reports of our missionaries 
they hear of churches formed where before they did 
not exist ; of feeble ones, strengthened and supplied 
with the ministry of reconciliation ; of saints, built up 
in holiness and comforted ; and of sinners converted 
to God. Long may it continue to prosper ; may the 
list of its members increase ; may its contributions 
be augmented a hundred fold ; and may the blessing 
of the Most High descend upon the giver and the 
gift ! 

In 1826, Messrs. Alexander McCoy and James 
Culbertson were added to the Session. 

The year 1828 is memorable in the history of this 
church for a revival of religion. The history of this 
interesting work of grace, I give in the words of Dr. 
Elliott. "It was in the fall of 1828 that God 
visited this church with a season of reviving grace. 
The work was chiefly confined to that branch of the 
church which was in town. It commenced rather 
suddenly, and to me, unexpectedly. I had been 
mourning over the low state of religion — particularly 
the worldly spirit which prevailed. On the Sabbath 
preceding the meeting of the Presbytery at Newville, 
I preached on the Parable of the Talents. I felt 
unusual liberty, and a deep and solemn concern for 
the salvation of sinners. The people appeared 
very solemn and tender. At the prayer-meeting in 
the afternoon there was great solemnity and some 
weeping. Having seen these things several times 
before, I attached no great importance to them. The 



124 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

next day I left for Presbytery; — reported to the 
Presbytery a low and formal state of religion; re- 
mained abroad the next Sabbath, assisting with a 
communion service ; and returned home early the 
week following. No sooner had I reached home, than 
I was greeted with the intelligence, that their prayer- 
meetings in town seemed to be visited with the 
special tokens of God's presence ; and that the solem- 
nity and tenderness which appeared on the Sabbath 
before I left, had increased, and that many evinced 
great anxiety about their souls. I immediately pro- 
ceeded to town, and found all to be as stated. Re- 
ligion was the engrossing subject of conversation, 
and the people of God prayed in a manner very 
different from that in which they had done before. 
Things progressed in this way for some time. The 
work did not extend, as I expected it would, through 
other parts of the congregation ; although there was 
some increase of attention on the part of the people 
generally." As the fruits of this work of grace, it 
may be stated, that twenty-four persons were added 
to the church on profession of their faith. 

Dr. Elliott having received an invitation to become 
pastor of the church in Washington, Pennsylvania, 
and having accepted it, resigned the pastoral charge 
of this church, October 29th, 1829. During his 
ministry, he baptized six hundred and fifty-five per- 
sons ; and there were admitted to the communion of 
the Church three hundred and forty : on profession, 
two hundred and sixty-one ; and by certificate, 



CHURCH IN MERCERSBURG. 125 

seventy-nine. Dr. Elliott, as a man and as a minister 
of our Lord, needs no panegyric. His name is in all 
the churches. It has become identified with our 
Church at large. It forms part of its history. And 
so long as soundness in the faith is appreciated, and 
the Presbyterian form of Church Government and 

t/ 

its discipline are respected, the name of Elliott will 
shine forth with resplendent lustre. During the 
seventeen years that he was pastor, he made full 
proof of his ministry. Many among us are the seals 
of his ministry, and will arise to call him "blessed." 
Long may he live to honour his Divine Master in the 
work in which he is engaged ! 



PERIOD IV. 

FROM THE CLOSE OF DR. ELLIOTT's MINISTRY IN THIS CHURCH, 
A. D. 1829, TO THE PRESENT TIME, A. D. 1852. 

On the 17th of November, 1831, two years after 
the close of Dr. Elliott's ministry, the Rev. Thomas 
Creigh — a licentiate of the Presbytery of Carlisle — 
was ordained, and installed Pastor of this church. 

In the beginning of the year 1832, this church 
was again visited with a revival of religion, which 
commenced with great power during a Protracted 
Meeting held in the month of February ; although 
there had been indications, before this, of a change 
for the better. As the fruits of this gracious out- 
pouring of the Spirit, one hundred and seven persons 

11* 



126 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

were added to the church that year. Of these, forty- 
five were males ; sixty-two were females ; and thirty- 
five were heads of families. In regard to the 
character of this work, it may be remarked, that 
while there were some measures used of a very ques- 
tionable tendency — although in accordance with the 
spirit of the times — yet, if there have ever been 
genuine revivals of religion, this deserves to be clas- 
sified with them. Unworthy members will find ad- 
mittance to the Communion of the church, even 
when the greatest vigilance has been used to guard 
its portals. Among our Saviour's own immediate 
followers — his chosen twelve — there was a Judas. 
And He has given us intimation in the "parable of 
the wheat and the tares," that the "visible church" 
will be a mixed society, until " the Day of Judg- 
ment," when He will separate the righteous from the 
wicked. Why, then, should we look for a difi'erent 
state of things from that which now exists ? Ar- 
dently as we pray for, and earnestly as we desire it, 
we cannot expect it fully, while the Church is in an 
imperfect state. I would then briefly add, that after 
a period of nearly twenty years since these one hun- 
dred and seven persons were received into the Church, 
the following is the result. Seventeen have died; 
forty have received letters of dismission to other 
churches ; six have removed without taking certifi- 
cates, and of whose residence we are ignorant, but 
who, for aught we know, may be, at the present 
time, consistent members of other churches; three 



CHUKCn IN MERCERSBURG. 127 

have been the subjects of church discipline ; and one 
has been ordained to the ministry of the gospel ; 
while all the rest are still in connexion with us, and 
are in good and regular standing. I simply ask, even 
when persons are received into the communion of the 
Church in the ordinary way — when there is no spe- 
cial interest on the subject of religion — whether any 
Church Register presents a more favourable result ? 
To God alone be all the praise ! 

In this same year, 1832, the Female Sewing 
Society was organized, the object of which was to 
educate poor and pious young men for the Gospel 
ministry. After a short time, however, it changed 
its relation, and became auxiliary to the Foreign 
Missionary Society, and has educated a heathen 
youth in the Orphan Asylum at Futtehgurh, in 
North India, under the care of the Rev. Henry 
R. Wilson, and who bears the name of their former 
much-loved pastor, David Elliott. The amount of 
funds contributed since the formation of this society 
is six hundred dollars. 

In 1833, the following persons were added to the 
Session : Messrs. John Witherspoon, John McCul- 
lough, and John Dorrance. 

In the winter of 1842 and '43, this church was 
again visited with a revival of religion. During the 
nine months immediately following its commence- 
ment, thirty-four persons were received into the com- 
munion of the Church, on profession of their faith. 
Of those who were then received, seventeen have 



128 CHURCHES OP THE VALLEY. 

been dismissed, and two have entered the ministry. 
Not a case has occurred requiring the exercise of the 
discipline of the Church. The manner in which this 
revival was conducted ; the truths which were pre- 
sented, and the manner in which they were exhibited; 
the instructions which were given to the inquiring ; 
and the care which was exercised in receiving appli- 
cants into the membership of the Church, afforded us 
every reasonable ground from which to expect the 
most favourable results. 

In 1844, the church edifice in town was repaired, 
new-modelled, and a vestibule added to it. The ex- 
pense of repairing and furnishing it was two thousand 
dollars. It was occupied for the first time, January 
12th, 1845, on which occasion the pastor gave an 
historical sketch of the church, from the time of its 
organization. In 1849, the following persons were 
added to the Session : — Messrs. Andrew L. Coyle, 
John McDowell, James Roberts, and William Pat- 
terson. 

In 1849, a lecture-room was commenced contiguous 
to the church. It was finished and furnished at an 
expense of six hundred dollars. The first time that 
divine worship was held in it, was August 7th, 1850, 
on which occasion the pastor delivered a dedication 
sermon from the words: ''For where two or three 
are gathered together in my name, there am I in the 
midst of them." (Matt, xviii. 20.) Prior to this, our 
social meetings were held in the houses of the families 
belonging to the church in town. We had forty 



CHURCH IN MERCERSBURG. 120 

places of meeting, which required nine months to 
complete their circuit. 

During a part of this period which has been 
claiming our attention, our Church at large was 
agitated by a diflference of opinion, chiefly in refe- 
rence to doctrines and polity, and which resulted in 
a division, in 1838, known by the names of Old School 
and New School. In all this controversy, which was 
deep and wide, spread throughout the whole length 
and breadth of the land, while here, too, intense 
interest was felt in relation to it, yet as a church we 
have stood fast in the faith of our fathers. Nor, at 
the present time, is there a church, composed of as 
many members, more harmonious, or more united, or 
more cordial in their adherence to the symbols of our 
faith, as taught in the Westminster Confession of 
Faith, Catechisms, and Form of Government. We 
record the fact as a matter of sincere and heartfelt 
thankfulness. 

In November, 1851, the present pastor having 
completed the twentieth year of his ministry in this 
church, delivered a sermon commemorative of this 
interesting event, from the words: "Then Samuel 
took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, 
and called the name of it, Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto 
hath the Lord helped us." (1 Sam. vii. 12.) It may 
not be out of place to give the concluding part of 
this discourse, which exhibits the results of this score 
of years in the pastoral office in this church : — 
"And, 1st, The Families. When I settled among 



130 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

jou, there were connected with this congregation one 
hundred and forty families. There are at the present 
time one hundred and fifty-five. Twenty-two are 
families of colour. One hundred of them reside in 
the country, and fifty-five in the village. In all this 
number who compose this congregation at the present 
time, there are but sixty who were here when I be- 
came pastor — so many and so great have been the 
changes ! And yet we still retain the original num- 
ber, and have fifteen additional. 2. Baptisms. — Four 
hundred and fourteen were baptized in infancy, and 
ninety-six adults, making a total of five hundred and 
ten. 3. Members. — There have been added to the 
church, on profession of their faith, four hundred 
and eight members, and by certificate one hundred 
and thirty-two, making the whole number five hun- 
dred and forty, or an annual increase of twenty-seven. 
At the present time we have three hundred and sixty 
under our immediate oversight. Of this number two 
hundred and forty-two are females, one hundred and 
eighteen are males, forty-seven couples are husbands 
and wives, thirty-six are widows, and forty-five are 
coloured persons. Of those who were members 
twenty years ago, but seventy-six remain. 4. Minis- 
ters. — Seven young men have been either licensed 
or ordained to preach the Gospel, and two of them 
have gone forth as missionaries to preach Christ to 
the heathen. 5. Marriages. — Two hundred and 
twenty-one marriage ceremonies have been per- 
formed. 6. Contributions. — Five thousand eight 



CHURCH IN MERCERSBURG. 131 

hundred dollars have been contributed to different be- 
nevolent objects. 7. Visits. — The number which has 
been made amounts to seven thousand six hundred, 
or annually to three hundred and eighty-five. 8. Ser- 
mons, lectures, and addresses. — The number of times 
which I have preached, lectured, and given addresses 
within the bounds of the congregation, is twenty- three 
hundred ; and I have in manuscript eleven hundred 
and thirty sermons and lectures, nearly all of which 
have been prepared during my connexion with this 
Church. 9. Deaths. — The number of deaths which 
have occurred within these twenty years is, two 
hundred and seventy-two. Of this number, one hun- 
dred and sixty-one were members in full communion. 
The ages of those who have died may be thus classi- 
fied : Fifty have died in infancy ; from infancy to 
their twenty-fifth year, thirty ; from their twenty- 
fifth to their forty-fifth year, fifty ; from their 
forty-fifth to their sixtieth year, forty-five ; from 
their sixtieth to their seventieth year, thirty ; 
from their seventieth to their eightieth year, thirty- 
three ; and over their eightieth year, twenty. 
Among these dead, we have to reckon four members 
of Session," — and another, since this discourse was 
delivered, leaving but one of the original members, 
who composed the Session when the present pastoral 
relation was formed. 



132 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 



CONCLUDING REMARKS. 

1. To God's care and kindness we are indebted 
for the permanency and prosperity of this church. 
It has had its trials and its changes, but the gates of 
hell have not prevailed against it. At one time in its 
early history it was entirely scattered ; at another 
time it was nearly broken up ; and a third time it 
was greatly diminished by death, in connexion with 
pecuniary embarrassments : and yet, in the midst of 
all these adverse circumstances, the Lord has kept 
it. And this day, after a period of one hundred and 
fourteen years, notwithstanding all the disasters which 
have befallen it, the number of its families and com- 
municants has not only not diminished, but has been 
greatly augmented. It is an interesting fact con- 
nected with the history of this church, and which 
ought not to be passed over unnoticed, that for the 
space of eighty-three years, as far back as our records 
reach our Church has maintained its ground, as will be 
seen from the following statements : — In the year 
1769, when Dr. King became its pastor, the number of 
families then connected with it was one hundred and 
thirty. In 1789, twenty years afterwards, he makes 
the following remark : '* The number of families 
connected with this congregation is about the same as 
when I settled.'' In 1812, the number was ojie hun- 
dred and thirty-seven. In 1820, upwards of one 



CHURCH IN MERCERSBURG. 133 

hundred and seventy. In 1831, about one hundred 
and forty — having been greatly diminished by the 
causes already mentioned. And at the present time 
(1852), they number one hundred and fifty-five. 
Thus has it never sunk below the first-named number, 
but has always exceeded it. And rarely has there 
been a communion season at which, according to the 
Register, there has not been an addition to its mem- 
bership. And thrice has it been visited with the spe- 
cial tokens of Divine grace. With devout gratitude 
we record these facts ; and in recording them we give 
all the glory to Him who has brought them into 
being. Ministers and members of the Church may 
labour and pray for the building up of Zion, but un- 
less God hears their prayers and blesses their efforts, 
Zion cannot prosper. ^'Not by might, nor by power, 
but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts." Or, in 
the expressive language of that most laborious of all 
Christ's Apostles, ''I have planted, Apollos watered ; 
but God gave the increase. So then neither is he 
that planteth anything, neither he that watereth, but 
God, that giveth the increase." 

2. If God has thus prospered this Church for so 
long a time, let us never yield to despondency in 
regard to its future condition. If, in looking back 
upon its past history, we can discover that the Lord 
has led it, and kept it, and prospered it, we are 
warranted in drawing the conclusion, that if we re- 
main faithful to Him, he will continue to dwell among 

us. These are the terms : — " The Lord is with you 

12 



134 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

■while you be with him ; and if ye seek him, he will 
be found of you ; but if ye forsake him, he will for- 
sake you." On this principle He has always acted 
towards the Church. Its entire history, from its 
commencement to the present time, warrants the re- 
mark. And what is thus true of the Church in 
general, is equally true in its application to parti- 
cular churches. It is true in relation to this church. 
If this church has been preserved and prospered, it 
is because it has been faithful to its Head. If it 
would continue to prosper, it must continue in its 
fidelity to its King. Its minister, and its officers, 
and its me7nbers, must possess the Spirit of their 
Lord and Master ; must follow closely in His footsteps, 
must yield implicit obedience to his commands ; must 
maintain and disseminate the truth ; must be united 
to one another in sentiment and in affection , and 
must labour and pray for its welfare. Thus living 
and thus acting, God will still bestow upon it the 
choicest riches of His grace ; its prosperity shall 
continue to increase, and its permanency shall be 
rendered sure. 

And to secure these ends, may all who belong to 
this Church, in humble dependence upon the grace 
of our Divine Lord, adopt the language of the captive 
Israelites and ever live under its constraining influence : 
" If I forget thee, Jerusalem, let my right hand 
forget her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let 
my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I 
prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy ! Psalm 
cxxxvii, 5, 6. 



135 



CHAPTER VI. 

WELSH RUN CHURCH. 

This Church, formerly known as " Lower West 
Conococheague," was originally a part of " Upper 
West Conococheague," or what is now called Mer- 
cersburg." It was organized, A. D. 1741, and grew 
out of the controversy which about that time so 
deeply and so extensively agitated the Presbyterian 
Church at large, and ultimately led to a division 
which continued for seventeen years.* But though 
the effects of this division were felt here also, and 
brought about the formation of this new interest, it 
was what their situation as a congregation required. 
The territory covered by the mother church, was 
much too extensive to allow the people to meet weekly 
in the same place of worship. And yet when the 
separation was made, it was done with so much good 
feeling, that both churches, still adhering to the same 
Presbytery, were frequently represented in the same 
Judicatory by the same commissioner. 

* See Appendix III. 



136 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

This church, at a very early period in its history 
was supplied for a season with the preaching of the 
gospel by a Rev. Mr. Dunlap. The church edifice 
in which the congregation then worshipped, was burnt 
down by the Indians in their wars with the whites. 
A second building was afterwards erected, which, 
having undergone frequent repairs, still stands. The 
congregations which assembled at this place of 
worship on sacramental occasions were so numerous, 
that the church being insufficient to accommodate 
them, it was not an unusual thing for two ministers 
to be preaching at the same time ; the one in the 
church, and the other in a temporary building, near 
at hand, called the Tent. From this circumstance, 
this place of worship was sometimes called the " Tent 
Meeting-House." 

The Rev. Thomas M'Pherrin having become 
pastor of this church, August 17th, A. D. 1774, con- 
tinued in this relation until October 2d, A. D. 1799, 
when he resigned his charge. He died February 3d, 
A. D. 1802, aged 51 years. Besides preaching to 
this congregation, he also preached a part of his 
time to a congregation near Greencastle, which wor- 
shipped in a tent that stood on the farm formerly 
belonging to Mr. Andrew Snively. 

From the time of Mr. M'Pherrin's relinquishment 
of his charge, this church became connected with the 
Greencastle Church, and was supplied with the pas- 
toral services of the Rev. Robert Kennedy. He 
commenced his labours among them in 1802, 



WELSH RUN CHURCH. 137 

and continued in this connexion until April 9th, 
1816, when he removed to Cumberland, Maryland. 
Having resided in Cumberland for nine years, he 
returned to this charge in the year 1825, from which 
time to his decease, he continued in the exercise of 
the pastoral office among them. Mr. Kennedy died 
in the fall of 1843. 

This church has been subject to many changes. 
At an early period in its history, it was large and 
numerous, composed of the most respectable and in- 
fluential families in the neighbourhood. In the year 
1814, the number of families had diminished to 
seventeen. And at present, there are about seven. 
There are but two families connected with it now, 
who stood in this relation to it seventy years ago. 
At that early period, the entire population of the 
surrounding country were Scotch-Irish, and all of 
them belonging to the Presbyterian congregation. 
Now, the great mass of them are Germans, and belong 
to the Dunkers and River Brethren. 

The materials for the foregoing sketch of the 
history of this Church, in relation to its early state, 
were furnished to the writer of it (Rev. Mr. Creigh), 
by Mr. David Dunwoody, now in his eighty-second 
year, who was born and reared within its bounds, and 
who for forty years has been a Ruling Elder in the 
Church at Mercersburg. 

12* 



138 



CHAPTER VII. 

THE CHUECH AT CHAMBERSBURG. 

As we have bad occasion to state elsewhere, though 
the Land-office of Pennsylvania was not open for the 
sale of lands west of the Susquehanna, until they 
were purchased of the Indians, in October, 1736, yet 
the proprietary offices and agents were disposed to fa- 
vour settlements west of that river, with the consent 
of the Indians, who were conciliated by the settlers. 
" These settlements were encouraged and recognised, 
though without official grants, in order to resist the 
encroachment of the Marylanders on what was con- 
sidered part of the Province of Pennsylvania. This 
policy, and the fine country forming that part of the 
Kittatinny Valley, extending from the Susquehanna, 
at the mouth of the Conodoguinett, along the waters 
of the beautiful Conococheague to the Potomac, in- 
duced men of enterprise to seek and locate desirable 
situations for water-works and farms, in the valleys of 
those two streams, and of Yellow Breeches Creek." 

Among the first to explore, and settle in this 
valley, were four adventurous brothers, James, Ro- 
bert, Joseph, and Benjamin Chambers, who emigra- 
ted from the County of Antrim, in Ireland, to the 
Province of Pennsylvania, between the years 1726 
and 1730. The last of these gentlemen, when about 



THE CHURCH AT CHAMBERSBURG. 139 

twenty-one years of age, settled where Chambersburg 
now stands, in 1730, and "The Falling Spring" was 
the name given by him to the place of his settlement, 
at the confluence of the large spring with the Cono- 
cocheague Creek, over the bank of the latter. 

The families that subsequently located themselves 
on and near the waters of this spring (which gave 
the name to the entire settlement, until 1764), were, 
with scarcely an exception, Presbyterians, and soon 
organized a congregation. Until the town of Cham- 
bersburg was laid out, in the year just mentioned, 
this congregation was known as the Congregation of 
Falling Spring, but after that it was called the Pres- 
byterian Congregation of Chambersburg, and also that 
of Falling Spring. 

Col. Benjamin Chambers, who was himself a 
Presbyterian, made an early appropriation of some 
suitable ground for a graveyard, school-house, and 
place of public worship. This was the romantic 
cedar grove on the bank of the creek, on which the 
present church stands. In this grove, and near the 
spot which the present edifice occupies, there was 
erected a small log building, which was used for the 
double purpose of a school-house and place of wor- 
ship. This building, as would appear from the fol- 
lowing extract from the Records of Presbytery, at 
their sederunt in 1739, was erected in that year. 

" A Supplication from the people of Canigogig was 
presented by James Lindsay, commissioner, wherein 
they requested that Mr. Caven's ordination be has^ 
tened. The Presbytery inquired of said commissioner 



140 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

what provision they had made for Mr. Caven's sus- 
tenance among them ; it was answered, that their sub- 
scriptions amounted to forty-six pounds, which they 
will make good, and what can be had over and above 
shall be allowed him ; and further, they will do what 
they can to procure a plantation to live upon. The 
commissioner also learns in writing from that people, 
signifying that they have agreed about the bounds 
between them and the west side of Canigogig, west 
from Alexander Dunlop's to the fork of the creek, and 
thence the creek to be the line until it come to the line 
of the Province; and that they have agreed that their 
other Meeting-House shall be at the Falling Spring." 

This old building, as already intimated, was small 
and exceedingly plain in its structure. It was formed 
of logs, entered by a door on the eastern side and 
another on the southern, and lighted by long, nar- 
row windows, which were of the width of two small 
panes of glass, and reached from one end to the 
other of the building. When this building, as was 
frequently the case, was not of sufficient capacity to 
accommodate all who wished to worship in it, the 
congregation abandoned it for the time in favour of 
the saw-mill of Col. Chambers, which stood on the 
bank .of the creek, on what is now known as " The 
Island," and which was surrounded by a lovely 
green plot. On that grassy space, when it was at all 
proper, the gathered crowd seated themselves, and 
received with interest and eagerness the messages of 
God from his commissioned ambassador. 

In the year 1767 this rude log building was demo- 



THE OHURCH AT CH A MBERSB U RG. 141 

lished. Its dimensions were entirely too contracted 
for the increasing community, and besides, something 
a little more tasteful was demanded by the advancing 
spirit of the times. Another edifice, therefore, was 
erected, in which the sacred services of the Sabbath 
might be performed. This was considerably larger 
than its predecessor, being about thirty-five by se- 
venty feet, and was of better finished material. It 
stood where the present church does, though its posi- 
tion was somewhat different, as it presented a side- 
view to the street. One year after the erection of 
this church, Col. Chambers by deed conveyed to 
trustees the grounds that had before been dedicated 
to the use of the congregation and burial-ground. 
The form of this appropriation was as follows : 

"Deed for ground of Falling Spring Church, dated 
January 1st, 1768, from Benjamin Chambers and 
Jane, his wife, to Patrick Vance, Matthew Wilson, 
Edward Cook, Robert Patterson, William Linsly, Jr., 
William Gass, and William Brotherton, in trust for 
the Presbyterian Congregation of Falling Spring, 
now professing and adhering to, and that shall here- 
after adhere to and profess the Westminster Confes- 
sion of Faith and the mode of Church Government 
therein contained, witnesseth, that the said Benjamin 
Chambers and Jane, his wife, as well for their regard 
to the true religion of the blessed Redeemer, Jesus, 
the Son of God, and for and in consideration of their 
regard to the interest and advantage of said congre- 
gation, and in consideration of the rents, convey to 
the Trustees, &c., yielding and paying therefor and 



142 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

thereout unto the said B. C, his heirs or assigns, at 
the said town of Chambersburg, on the first day of 
June next first after this date, the yearly rent or con- 
sideration of one Rose, if required." 

In 1787, the congregation of Falling Spring was 
incorporated by Act of Assembly, and has ever since 
been governed in its property afi'airs by Trustees 
elected under this Charter. At that time "it would 
seem that the congregation was larger than in 1832, 
though at the latter period the population of Cham- 
bersburg was tenfold that of 1786. After the revo- 
lutionary war and peace, a German population sup- 
planted the first settlers, and possessed themselves of 
most of their choice plantations by purchase, and the 
families and descendants of these settlers moved west 
of the mountains." 

The present church edifice at Chambersburg, which 
was erected in 1803, is a handsome and comfortable 
building. It is of stone, and indicates by its external 
structure that it was the product of a past age, yet is 
it not on this account less, but rather more attractive 
in its appearance. We like many of the improve- 
ments which have of late.been made, and the liberality 
which has generally been displayed in church archi- 
tecture throughout our land. We undervalue not a 
due regard to external beauty and becoming decora- 
tion in the erection of a house of worship. We sym- 
pathize not with those whose penuriousness, though 
they give it a holier name, makes them content to 
dwell themselves in houses of cedar, whilst the ark of 



THE CHURCH AT CHAMBERSBURG. 143 

God dwelleth within curtains. Rejecting, indeed, 
on the one hand, a religion of attitude and show, a 
religion of picturesque and imposing observances, 
^'wherein the fine arts, and the power of genius, the 
chisel of the sculptor, the ode of the poet, the combi- 
nations of instrumental music, the trillings of various 
voices, the stated procession, the scattered flowers, 
the blaze of many lights, or the costly frankincense 
of Arabia, are directed to excite the fancy and the 
passions to a pitch which lulls the conscience and 
draws away attention from the conduct," — on the 
other hand, we as much admire the taste, the libe- 
rality, the sincerity, and the spirit of devotion, which 
find somewhat of their expression in exercises at once 
simple and sublime, and in a building for the worship 
of God, which is convenient in its arrangements, 
chaste in its design, neat in its furniture, and attrac- 
tive by its comeliness, rather than repulsive to the eye. 
To be satisfied that all this is true of the Church at 
Chambersburg, and that besides, its exterior has an 
impress of antiquity which throws around it a peculiar 
interest, it is but necessary to see it. It is at once 
simple, neat, and beautiful. Its elevated site, also, is 
a most desirable one, calling as it does, for those who 
worship within the sanctuary, to leave the associations 
and pursuits of a bustling yet fading world, and come 
up to the service of the Lord. The shadows which 
fall around it, likewise, from trees which were stand- 
ing when the footstep of the white man first broke 
the silence of the wilderness, are not without their 



144 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

deep significance ; neither is the ivy which covers its 
walls, as if to bear constant testimony to the truth, 
that with a steadiness and tenacity, which neither 
sunshine or storm or revolving seasons can impair, 
man's affections should rise above the earth, cleave to 
the risen Saviour, and cluster around the Church 
which He hath purchased with his precious blood. 

There can be no doubt that the congregation at 
Falling Spring was for a time supplied by ministers 
sent from the Presbyteries of Donegal and Newcastle. 
But this arrangement was of short continuance, as 
the following extract from the minutes of a meeting 
of a committee of Presbytery, held at " Canigogig, 
16th November, 1739, plainly shows. 

^'Mr. Boyd having published an edict at the door, 
in the hearing of both societies, Thomas Brown ap- 
peared, declared that if said societies are willing to 
have Mr. Caven ordained among them, he will make 
no objection against it; at the same time said Thomas 
Brown desired that the ground of the censure laid on 
him by the Presbytery be inquired into : the committee, 
after some discourse on said request, agree to defer 
the consideration of that affair until the work of or- 
dination be over. Richard O'Cahan, Joseph Arm- 
strong, Benjamin Chambers, and Patrick Jack, have 
publicly engaged to pay to Mr. Samuel Thompson 
the sum of one pound five shillings, at or before next 
meeting of Presbytery, as being the whole of arrears 
due him by the people at Canigogig." 

From this record it is evident that, in all probabi- 



THE CHURCH AT CHAMBEllSBURG. 145 

lity, Mr. Thompson preceded Mr. Caven as pastor of 
"the people of Conococheague," the name by which 
the congregations of Greencastle and Falling Spring- 
were then known. Mr. Caven resigned his pastoral 
relation in 1741. 

About the year 1767, the Rev. James Lang (or 
Long, as he was generally called) became the pastor 
of the church at Falling Spring for one-half his time, 
the other half being given to Greencastle, where he 
resided. 

In 1792, in compliance with a " supplication" from 
the united congregations of Falling Spring and East 
Conococheague, the Rev. William Speer was "ap- 
pointed for six months statedly to supply them, in 
rotation with their present pastor, Mr. Lang ; to 
which arrangement Mr. Lang declared his hearty 
consent." 

In 1794, the union between the congregations of 
Falling Spring and East Conococheague was dis- 
solved, and the latter became the sole charge of Mr. 
Lang. At the same time Mr. Speer accepted the 
pastorate of Falling Spring. Mr. Speer was licensed 
by the Presbytery of Carlisle, June 22d, 1791, or- 
dained and installed pastor of Falling Spring, Oct. 
8th, 1794, and his pastoral relation was dissolved in 
April, 1797. , 

After being supplied for a time by appointments 
of Presbytery, the congregation at Chambersburg, in 
the year 1800, secured the services of the Rev. David 
Denny, w4io was set over them in the Lord, and con- 

13 



146 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

tinned to labour among them until 1838, when, on 
account of the infirmity of years, his resignation was 
tendered and accepted. 

We transfer the following truthful sketch of the 
history and character of this excellent man, from the 
Presbytery's book of obituaries of deceased ministers. 

"Died at his residence in Chambersburg, on Tues- 
day, the 16th of December, 1845, the Rev. David 
Denny, in the 78th year of his age, formerly pastor 
of the Falling Spring Church, in that place. To those 
whose sympathy or admiration is limited to terrestrial 
displays, the memorials of valour or political eminence 
address a grateful spectacle, but the mind that has 
learned to reverence religion, and contrast the tri- 
umphs of the Cross with the loftiest of mere human 
attainments, will turn with more delight to the sublime 
but less ostentatious records of Christian virtue. 
The modesty that distinguished the venerable servant 
of God who forms the subject of this notice, would 
have been sensibly shocked, had he known that a 
sketch of his retired life would be submitted to the 
public eye after his decease ; and the feeble tribute 
that is now offered to his memory is not without the 
restraint imposed by that humble sentiment of self- 
approbation which he was always known to cherish. 

'' The Rev. David Denny was the third son of a 
revolutionary soldier who fell in battle, when his 
eldest son, contending at his side, was captured by 
the enemy. He graduated at Dickinson College, 
while Dr. Charles Nesbit was Principal of that Insti- 



THE CHURCH AT CHAMBERSBURG. 147 

tution, and under that learned and classic divine 
began and completed his theological studies. He 
was a fond admirer of his distinguished preceptor, 
and the writer has often heard him narrate anecdotes 
illustrative of his wit, learning, and accomplishments. 
The sources of Philosophy and Divinity at that day 
were neither as copious nor accessible as at present, 
and the acquisitions of the student were consequently 
earned by severer toil and application, than the fa- 
cilities of learning now exact. The lectures of Dr. 
Nesbit were delivered at a modulated rate and tone, 
that the members of his class might be able to reduce 
them to writing as they fell from his lips. The de- 
ceased has left in his library seven quarto volumes 
of these discourses, in his own handsome and legible 
handwriting, which form together a respectable body 
of metaphysics and divinity. Whatever the present 
intrinsic value of these lectures may be, when the 
bounds of sacred and profane learning have been so 
much enlarged, the diligent reader will find in many 
pages of them, strong marks of the erudition, origi- 
nal thought, and classic taste of the author. 

" Mr. Denny was licensed to preach about'the year 
1792, by the Presbytery of Carlisle, within Avhose 
bounds he remained until the close of his pastoral 
office. He was first installed over two congregations 
in Path Valley, that had lately become vacant by the 
death of the Rev. Mr. Dougal, where he continued 
until the year 1800, in the enjoyment of the esteem 
and affections of a much-beloved people. In the year 



148 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

last mentioned, he was transferred to the pastoral 
charge of the Falling Spring Church, in Chambers- 
burg, which he retained until the termination of his 
public ministrations, — a period of 38 years. That 
church, then in comparative infancy, was delivered 
over at his retirement to his estimable successor in the 
pastoral ofiSce, in the vigour and maturity of improving 
manhood. His means derived from the ministry being 
inadequate to the demands of a large and growing 
family, he was obliged to combine with it, for a series 
of years, the labours of a teacher of the learned lan- 
guages in an academy, and being a master of eco- 
nomy he secured that enviable maintenance midway 
between poverty and wealth, so desirable to the good 
man, and that proves at once a defence against the 
inconveniences of penury, and the vices of pro- 
fusion. 

" In the year of Mr. Denny's retirement from the 
active duties of the sanctuary, death snatched from 
his side the fond partner of his pilgrimage, a lady of 
exalted worth, and by the same stroke broke his 
cheerful spirit and firm constitution. Companions 
also who shared his better years and pastoral inti- 
macy, had then dropped away one by one around him, 
until he was left almost alone, like the gray oak of 
the forest, surrounded by generations of a younger 
growth. He continued to languish under increasing 
infirmity, until repeated attacks of paralysis accele- 
rated his decline and deprived him of the power of 
articulate speech. It was not until several months 



THE CHUECH AT CH A M B ERS B U RG. 149 

after this trying visitation, that the mysterious hand 
which often chastens out of plenitude of love, called 
him, by a voice gentle and meek as the breathing of 
infant slumber, from the sorrows of his earthly state 
to the joyous assembly of the just. His person, cast 
in the finest mould for strength, activity, and propor- 
tion, was well adapted to the air of dignity which 
Nature herself had impressed upon it. His mind was 
of a strong and discerning order, always governed 
by candour and sincerity, and warmed by the love of 
truth. His views were expressed in the language of 
simplicity and earnestness, neither adorned nor ob- 
scured by the garnish of imagery or the flashes of 
rhetoric. 

" In doctrine Mr. Denny was a decided Calvinist, 
and conscientiously attached to the standards of the 
Presbyterian Church. The tide of new measures that 
threatened, about the close of his ministerial career, 
the subversion of everything like rational religion in 
the church, was consonant neither to his judgment 
nor taste, but regarded rather as the offspring of 
Pelagian error than the fruit of evangelical repen- 
tance, — a decision which the overseers of the honour 
and purity of the Church are fast vindicating, by the 
substitution of a higher and more solemn test of spi- 
ritual improvement. Modesty and humility were in- 
terwoven with the very texture of his heart, and its 
liveliest sympathies were always in expansion for the 
sick, the suffering, and the desolate. 

" Neither inclemency of weather nor transient ill- 

13^ 



150 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

ness were suffered to detain him from the exercises of 
the pulpit, and he enjoyed in no ordinary degree the 
esteem and affection of the people among whom he 
laboured. He was actuated in social intercourse by 
a manly, tolerant, and liberal spirit, and has left to 
all who stood in private or public relations to him, an 
example of many virtues with which humanity is not 
often adorned, which they may fail to imitate, but 
can never cease to admire and love." 

As in addition to his active interest in other 
Christian enterprises, the Rev. Mr. Denny took a 
prominent part in the organization of " The Franklin 
County Bible Society." We give some account of 
the origin of this association.* 

After Mr. Denny's withdrawment from his pulpit, 
the Rev. AVilliam Adam was chosen to fill it, in Sep- 
tember, 1839, and did so until April, 1841, when im- 
paired health demanded a temporary cessation of his 
ministerial labours. 

The Rev. Daniel McKinley was Mr. Adam's suc- 
cessor, and continued to be pastor of the church for 
nine years. At the time of his resignation Dr. 
McKinley accepted a call to a congregation in the 
city of Pittsburg. 

After being vacant for about twelve months, the 
congregation invited Mr. Joseph Clark, a Licentiate 
of the Presbytery of Carlisle, to be their stated supply 
for a year, and before the expiration of this time, he 
was unanimously called to be their pastor. Mr. 

* See Appendix IV. 



THE CHURCH AT CHAMBERSBURG. 151 

Clarke was ordained and installed in June, 1852, — 
the Rev. Messrs. D. D. Clarke, Creigh, Morris, and 
Dr. McKinlej, officiating on the occasion. 

The Session of the Church, at present, consists of 
the following members : — Samuel Mcllroy, David 
Lytle, Robert Sharp, Holmes Crawford, John Cree, 
and Robert Black. 

As Fayetteville lies within the ancient limits of the 
congregation of Chambersburg, this may be the proper 
place to notice the church there. This congregation 
was organized, July. 21st, 1833. For a number of 
years it was favoured with preaching by the pastors 
of the Chambersburg church, and for a brief season, 
was served by Mr. Thos. K. Davis, a licentiate, but for 
some time it has been under the care of the Rev. 
James F. Kennedy, who unites with his ministerial 
office the charge of a flourishing classical academy 
in Chambersburg. The congregation is not large, 
but is steadily increasing. It worships in a comfor- 
table brick building, which stands near the centre of 
the village, and which is owned jointly by the Pres- 
byterian and the German Reformed congregations of 
the place. 

Let us now turn to the churchyard of the congre- 
gation of The Falling Spring. 

"A churchyard! 'tis a homely word, yet full 
Of feeling: and a sound which o'er the heart 
Might shed religion. In the gloom of graves 
I read the curse primeval, and the voice 
That wreaked it seems to whisper by these tombs 
Of village quiet, which around me lie 
In green humility. Can Life, the dead 



152 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

Among be musing, nor to God advance 

The spirit of her thought ? True Nature wears 

No rustic mourning here : in golden play 

Her sprightly grass — flowers wave, the random breeze 

Hums in the noon, or with yon froward bough 

A murm'ring quarrel wakes : and yet, how oft 

In such a haunt, the insuppressive sigh 

Is heard, while feelings which may pilot years 

To glory, spring from out a minute's gloom." 

The expression of admiration is universal on the 
part of those who visit the Cemetery at Chambers- 
burg. And it is, unquestionably, one of the loveliest 
homes of the dead that is anywhere to be seen. 
Though within the precincts of the town, it is yet 
in a great measure hidden from the view, and pervaded 
by much of the solemn stillness of the country. A 
wanderer among its tombs might easily imagine him- 
self in some lonely retreat, secluded from the world, 
and where none would be likely to disturb his medi- 
tations or see the falling tear. This beautiful place, 
which lies in the rear of the church, is skirted on the 
north by the Conococheague, whose waters flow noise- 
lessly along beneath a steep and high descent. In 
the direction of its southern extremity, and but a short 
distance from it, are to be heard the murmurs of the 
Falling Spring, as it rolls onward, soon to lose itself in 
the deeper stream to which it pays its tribute. The 
time was when this spring flowed through the grave- 
yard, in the deep ravine which yet divides it in a di- 
rection nearly north and south, but it was at an early 
day diverted from this channel to its present course, 



THE CHURCH AT C H AM B E RS B U R G. 153 

that its power might be employed for a useful and 
profitable purpose. That ravine is now occupied with 
a number of majestic trees, which have since grown 
up in its bosom, and its sides are thickly studded with 
smaller ones, a,nd bushes of various kinds. This, in- 
deed, is true of the entire yard : it is nearly altogether 
protected in this way from the rays of the sun. The 
visitor at once, and with interest, observes the rich 
shrubbery which adorns the undulating ground on 
which he treads, the numerous cedars scattered 
through the enclosure, as if to represent the unfading 
recollections of the departed which are cherished in 
many a heart, and the refreshing shade which is spread 
around him by stately trees which once sheltered the 
redman in his slumbers after the toils of the day, and 
which yet maintain their vigour and freshness amid the 
very ravages of death. Sacred spot ! How many 
warm tears have gushed upon thee ! How many 
crushed hearts have poured forth their wailings upon 
thy passing breeze ! How many affections hast thou 
seen to bleed, and how many hopes to perish ! How 
many loved treasures hast thou unveiled thy bosom 
to receive, which now rest beneath the grassy mounds 
which mark thy surface ! How many sad memories 
continually linger about thee ! How many, too, are 
there, among thy silent and shattered occupants, who, 
because they died in faith in Him who is the Resur- 
rection and the Life, shall catch with triumph the last 
trumpet's stirring sound, 

*'Then burst the chains in sweet surprise, 
And in the Saviour's image rise !" 



154 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THE CHURCH AT SHIPPENSBURG. 

Shippensburg is the oldest town, except York, west 
of the Susquehanna River. It was originally wholly 
settled by Irish. In it the courts were held when 
Cumberland was organized, 1750. During the French 
and Indian wars, two forts, Fort Morris and Fort 
Franklin, were erected there, the remains of one of 
which, were, until lately, still to be seen. Some idea 
of the size and condition of the place, a little more 
than a century ago, may be derived from the subjoined 
extracts from a letter, dated June 14th, 1755, to Go- 
vernor Morris, from Charles Swaine, who, it appears, 
was on a visit to the place on public business. 

" I judge there are sufficient buildings for storing 
the provisions, without erecting any." 

" I find not above two pastures here, those but 
mean as to grass, from drought, but there is a fine 
range of forage for upwards of four miles, in the woods, 
quite to the foot of the South Mountain. " There are 
no bricks here, and little lime at present, so the 
making ovens would be difficult, and if made of clay, 
then there would be some iron-work wanting." 



THE CHURCH AT SHIPPE N SBURG. 155 

One of the earliest churches organized in Ship- 
pensburg was the Associate Reformed Presbyterian. 
Until this organization was effected, the Episcopal 
element was, perhaps, dominant in the borough, 
through the influence of Mr. Shippen, the proprietor, 
who was connected with that denomination. This 
church was under the care of the Second Presbytery 
of Philadelphia, in connexion with the Associate 
Reformed Synod. For a number of years the Rev. 
Mr. Walker was its pastor. After his separation 
from it, the pulpit was filled, for about eighteen 
months, by the Rev. Mr. Strong, now of New 
York. In 1823, the Rev. Henry R. Wilson was 
called, with the permission of the Presbytery, to 
take charge of the congregation. Mr. Wilson con- 
tinued in connexion with that body until 1825, when 
it was dissolved, and he was received by the Presby- 
tery of Carlisle. Mr. Wilson continued to be pastor 
of this church until 1839. The following sketch of 
the history and character of this useful servant of 
the Lord, is an abridgment of his obituary, as pub- 
lished in the "Presbyterian," June 14, 1849. 

" The Rev. Henry R. Wilson, D.D., was born in 
the neighbourhoo'd of Gettysburg, Adams County, 
Pa., on the 7th of August, 1780. He was graduated 
at Dickinson College, Carlisle, whilst the venerable 
Charles Nesbit presided over that Institution, in the 
days of its prosperity. He was licensed to preach 
the gospel by the Presbytery of Carlisle in 1801. 



156 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

After labouring for some months in Virginia, as a 
supply, he removed with his family to Bellefonte, 
Centre County, Pa., where Presbyterians had neither 
organized church nor house of worship. He com- 
menced preaching in the court-house. His labours 
were greatly blessed in gathering here a church, as 
also another at Lick Kun, twelve miles distant. 
Over these congregations he was installed pastor by 
the Presbytery of Huntingdon, in 1802. 

" In 1806, Mr. Wilson was chosen, at the early age 
of twenty-six, to fill the Professorship of Languages 
in Dickinson College. A part of the time, during 
his connexion with the College, he preached to the 
Presbyterian Church of Carlisle, as colleague with 
President Davidson. Li 1814, a call was presented 
to him by the congregation of Silvers' Spring, which 
he accepted. 

"In 1823, Dr. Wilson received a call from the 
church in Shippensburg. During his ministry there, 
the church enjoyed some precious seasons of refresh- 
ing, * and many were added unto the Lord.' He 
was indefatigable and abundant in labours. 

"In 1838, Dr. W^ilson was chosen the first General 
Agent of the Board of Publication, in which station 
he laboured arduously until 1842, when he resigned 
his office in that Board, and accepted a call from 
the church at Neshaminy, at Hartsville, Bucks 
County, Pa. Here, with his accustomed fidelity, he 
continued to discharge the duties of pastor until the 



THE CHUKCH AT SHIP P ENS B U R G. 157 

month of October, 1848, when, at his own request, 
the pastoral relation was dissolved. 

" For some months previous his health had become 
so infirm, that he was seldom able to preach, except 
when carried from his bed to the church, and placed 
in a chair, in which posture he delivered his message, 
amidst much bodily weakness and suffering, but with 
his usual clearness of mind, and earnestness of 
manner. 

" Dr. Wilson's health continued to decline, notwith- 
standing the cessation of his ministerial labours. 

" After a sore conflict of forty-six hours, he died 
in Philadelphia, on the morning of Thursday, the 
22d of March, 1849, and was interred the day fol- 
lowing, at Hartsville, the scene of his closing labours 
in the ministry. An appropriate discourse was deli- 
vered on the occasion by the Rev. Dr. Steel, of 
Abington, and the sympathies and affections of the 
people of his recent charge were abundantly shown 
toward one whom, though absent, they had not ceased 
to regard and love as their pastor. 

" The life of Dr. Wilson was an eventful one. 
More can be said of him, than that he passed through 
scenes of some interest, grew old, and then died. 
From his earliest labours in the Gospel there was 
demand for a steadiness of purpose, and an energy 
of execution, that not every man is equal to. 

" The influence of such a man in the Church, we 

cannot duly estimate. He was a pioneer in the cause 

of the Gospel in Central Pennsylvania, and his labours 

14 



158 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

essentially contributed to lay firm and deep the foun- 
dations of those churches that adorn and bless the 
region of his earliest toil. Ministers of Dr. Wilson's 
character stamp an impression upon the times in which 
they live. They give a fixedness to the order, the 
government, the instruction, and standard of piety 
in the church, by which, they being dead, yet speak. 

" The ministerial labours of this venerable man were 
abundant. His preaching was in character with the 
man. It came down from a former generation, with all 
that seriousness of manner and weight of instruction, 
that are the fairest ornaments of the Christian Pulpit. 
His whole deportment and performance may truly be 
said to have been characterized by simplicity and 
godly sincerity. Eminently instructive, his preaching 
always made the impression, ' these things are so,' 
and religion is a serious and important matter. 

" I never knew a man less influenced in his minis- 
terial work by the changing circumstances around 
him. Whether the congregation was large or small, 
whether prosperity attended his steps, or disappoint- 
ment was his portion, not in these was he to find 
the measure or the motive of his labours. He felt 
himself to be of that number to whom it has been 
commanded, ' Go and preach,' and whose the pro- 
mise is, ' Lo, I am with you alway.' Not the 
increase, the work was his. Not the measure of 
his success, but the command of Christ, and the 
assurance that God would bless and prosper his own 



THE CHURCH AT SHIPPBNSBURG. 159 

truth ; — this was the rule and the measure of his 
toil. 

" Thus he lived^ a laborious and eminently useful 
preacher of the Gospel, the crown of his family, and 
an ornament to the ministry of reconciliation. 

" Thus he died^ amidst great bodily suffering, with 
the language of praise upon his lips. Not weary with 
his ministerial labours, and his conflicts as a sinner 
saved, but in obedience to the Master's call, ' It is 
enough, come up higher,' he bade the world adieu, 
with a full hope of immortality, most beloved by those 
who knew him best, and lamented by all pious men of 
every name." 

The Rev. James Harper was the successor of Dr. 
Wilson at Shippensburg. The call was given to him 
and accepted, in 1840, and in that Pastorate he has 
ever since continued, with a sustaining evidence of the 
Divine blessing upon his labours, and a large and 
influential congregation committed to his care. 

The first elders of the congregation of whom there is 
any record, were, John Means, who died September 1, 
1823, and William Bard, who was ordained in May, 
1805, declined in 1823, was re-elected and installed 
in 1825, and declined in 1826. The Session is at 
present composed of George M'Ginnis, installed 
April 11, 1824 ; John Reside, ordained and installed 
at the same time ; Daniel Henderson, installed January 
2, 1825 ; Alexander P. Kelso, ordained and installed 
Oct. 4, 1845 ; Dr. Wm. Rankin and Robert Mateer, or- 
dained and installed, Feb. 6, 1848 ; and Benjamin 



160 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

Snodgrass, John Mateer, and John Bridges, ordained 
and installed, Sept. 7, 1851. 

A few years after Mr. Harper's settlement among 
that people, the church property was brought into 
litigation. It was claimed by the few Associate 
Reformed members still remaining in the town and 
neighbourhood, and suit was brought by them to 
establish their exclusive right to the building. Their 
effort was successful. The Presbyterian congre- 
gation then purchased a lot in a different part of 
the town, and erected the edifice in which they now 
worship. This is a neat brick building, constructed 
and furnished according to the modern style, with a 
gallery for a choir, and of sufficient capacity to ac- 
commodate about four hundred and fifty persons. 
Immediately in the rear of it is a lot, which has been 
set apart for a graveyard, and which already has re- 
ceived not a few who have, since the transfer of the 
place of worship, yielded to the doom that is ap- 
pointed unto all men. 

Though feeling a deep interest in all the Presby- 
terian congregations of Cumberland Valley, it would 
be strange if we did not cherish, and perhaps as 
strange if we did not here acknowledge, a special re- 
gard for the Congregation of Shippensburg. Within 
its boundaries we were first numbered among the 
living ; to its sanctuary our infant feet were led by 
the hand of love ; by the venerable servant of the 
Lord who presided over its interests during our child- 
hood were we taught the holy truths of Christianity ; 



THE CHURCH AT SH IPPENSB U RG. 161 

at its altar we first entered publicly into covenant 
with God ; and in its cemetery there are those en- 
tombed, for whom an ardent afiection must be felt 
whilst memory shall endure. It, therefore, naturally 
occupies a warm place in our heart. True, the 
years which have rolled away since we have been 
absent from it, in preparing for, and in the perfor- 
mance of, professional duty, have wrought in it, as in 
other churches, many changes, yet still is it ever 
remembered with an interest which advancing time 
increases rather than abates. Long may it exist 
in peace and prosperity, and long may the very large 
contribution which it has hitherto made of its pious 
young men to the holy ministry, continue. 



14* 



162 



CHAPTER IX. 

GEEENCASTLE CHURCH. 

In tlie year 1738, the Congregation, which, pre- 
viously to that time, seems to have been known as the 
Congregation of the " Oonococheague Settlement^'" ^^d,^ 
divided. The following extract from the Records of 
Presbytery, will show their action in the case. 

" The affair of Conegocheck reassumed, and several 
papers being read, and a pretty dale said by several 
persons on that affair, at last the Presbytery un- 
derstanding that the people of the east and west 
sides of the creek, had agreed among themselves to 
divide into two societies, the one on the east and the 
other on the west side, and those on the east side 
having presented a call for Mr. Caven to be their 
minister, the Presbytery, taking these things into 
consideration, do, in the first place, considering 
circumstances, approve of the division, though we 
think they have acted somewhat precipitantly in 
separating without consent of the Presbytery, and 
have likewise presented the call of the east side to 
Mr. Caven, which he has taken under his considera- 
tion. N. B. That Alexander Dunlop is the highest 
that belongs to the society on the west side." 



GREENCASTLE CHURCH. 163 

At the time the separation here referred to took 
place, the eastern part of the congregation thus set 
off, embraced the people of the region which is now 
known as the town of Greencastle and its vicinitj, 
but which was then called "East Conococheague." 
At that time, also, the congregations of " East Cono- 
cocheague" and "Falling Spring," were united as 
one charge, and were under the pastoral supervision 
of the Rev. Mr. Caven. 

The connexion of Mr. Caven with this people as 
their shepherd was but of brief duration. A com- 
plaint was preferred against him before Presbytery, 
in 1741, by a part of the congregation of " Falling 
Spring," and although Presbytery "could not find 
any gross immorality proved against him, yet they 
thought he ought to be admonished for some expres- 
sions which appeared to them imprudent and unguard- 
ed, such as speaking of his sacred office under the 
notion of a trade, and his running to drive the devil ; 
and accordingly they admonished him, and yielded to 
his request to be dismissed from his congregation." 

The probability is, that Mr. Caven continued to be 
pastor of "East Conococheague" until 1747. His 
place was supplied in 1754 and '55, by the Rev. John 
Steel, who had charge of the congregation for this 
length of time in connexion with the congregation 
of "West Conococheague," but was then obliged by 
the Indian disturbances to abandon his post. 

In the year 1769, the union between the congrega- 
tions of East Conococheague and Falling Spring which 



164 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

had previously been dissolved, was re-formed, and the 
Rev. James Lang was called as Pastor of the charge. 
It seems scarcely credible that the former of these 
congregations should remain vacant for more than 
twenty years, with the exception of the two years' 
service rendered them by the Rev. Mr. Steel, yet 
such is the fact, for anything that appears to the con- 
trary in the Presbyterial records ; and the sessional 
records of the church, which might be expected to 
throw some light upon this point, if indeed they ever 
had an existence, have perished. 

We here take occasion to express our regret, that 
there is generally so much indifference on the part of 
our church sessions, in regard to preserving a history 
of their respective congregations. We were not 
aware that this neglect was so common or extensive 
in the Presbytery of Carlisle, until we came to seek 
the information necessary for the satisfactory accom- 
plishment of our present undertaking. In the case 
of the church now before us, we were sad to learn that 
"its sessional records, previous to the year A. D. 
1837, are not to be found." The late pastor of another 
large congregation writes, that "In furnishing you 
with facts relative to our church, I will have to 
depend almost entirely on oral communications from 
some of our oldest and most intelligent church mem-'^ 
bers." In several other instances, also, where we^ 
hoped to meet with full and accurate records, we 
were referred to floating, and sometimes vague, tradi- 
tions. 



GREENCASTLE CHURCH. 165 

In affirming that these things ought not so to be, we 
are sure we utter a sentiment in which no one, after 
due reflection, can fail to concur. In addition to the 
reasons which must suggest themselves to every mind, 
in favour of a measure which would enable children's 
children to trace back to its beginning the congregation 
in which their ancestors worshipped, we may be allowed 
tQ suggest that another is to be found in the fact, that 
in this vast country of ours, so rapidly rising to a 
magnitude and importance almost overwhelming to 
the mind, and in which Freedom's and Christianity's 
«last battle seems destined to be fought, every revolv- 
ing year is attaching augmented interest to the past, 
and especially to the primitive churches, which were 
organized for the diffusion of religion and morality, 
so essential to national greatness and perpetuity. So, 
too, we may add, is it constantly becoming of more 
and more importance, for those who believe that 
" God is in history," to look back upon the moulding 
power which the former years have exerted upon the 
present, and to study the Christianity of the first set- 
tlers of our land, in the light of the circumstances 
and peculiar influences under which it was developed. 

It is also to be deplored, that something of the 
blame to which we have just adverted, attaches to 
the Presbytery to which these churches belong. Only 
in the year 1847 was it that a resolution was adopted 
by this body, requiring an obituary of its deceased 
clerical members to be prepared and preserved. Pre- 
viously to this time, the simple entry upon their 



166 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

book of records,^" The Rev. A. B. was removed by 
death since our last meeting," was all the notice that 
was taken of the demise of men, many of whom for 
long years preached the Gospel faithfully and suc- 
cessfully within their bounds, and whose history, 
consequently, has well-nigh faded away. 

But, returning from this digression, we proceed to 
say that, in the year 1793, " in consequence of some 
late proceedings of the congregation of Falling 
Spring," the union between that congregation and 
the congregation of East Conococheague was severed. 
After this separation, the congregation of East Cono-« 
cocheague became the sole charge of the Rev. Mr. 
Lang, and enjoyed his whole labours. This gentle- 
man, on a charge of intemperance, " was suspended 
from the exercise of the Gospel ministry sine die,'' in 
1802. 

In October of the same year, a call was presented 
to Mr. Robert Kennedy, from "the united congre- 
gations of East and Lower West Conococheague," or 
Welsh Run, which was accepted. In April, 1803, 
public notice having been given (according to the 
custom which then prevailed), that if any persons 
had any objections to the ordination of Mr. Kennedy, 
and his installation in the congregations to which 
he had been called, they should state them at a spe- 
cified time, and no objections having been presented, 
Mr. Kennedy was ordained and installed. On this 
occasion the sermon, previous to the induction into 
the ministerial and pastoral offices, was preached by 



GREENCASTLE CHURCH. 167 

the Rev. Mr. Snowden, and Dr. Davidson "presided 
and gave a charge." In 1816, the pastoral relation 
between Mr. Kennedy and these congregations was, 
by his own request, dissolved. 

In relation to this good man, the Rev. A. A. 
M'Ginley, D.D., for many years his co-presbyter 
and familiar friend, has thus written : 

" In the year of our Lord 1803, the Rev. Robert 
Kennedy was ordained and installed Pastor of the 
Churches of Greencastle and Welsh Run. He had 
officiated as their stated supply for six previous months. 
Mr. Kennedy was born in the lower end of Lancaster 
County, Pa., in 1775. He graduated at Dickinson 
College, Carlisle. He was the best scholar in his 
collegiate class. Immediately after leaving College, 
he commenced the study of Theology, with a view to 
the Gospel ministry. He was licensed by the Pres- 
bytery of Newcastle in 1800. At that time there 
were a number of vacant churches in the bounds of 
the Presbytery of Carlisle, where Mr. K. laboured 
until he was settled as above stated^ On the morning 
of the day of his ordination, he requested the Presby- 
tery to dispense, in his case, with the ceremony of im- 
position of hands, alleging that it was not intended to 
be continued in the Church after the cessation of mi- 
raculous gifts. Presbytery was not disposed to listen 
to his objection, but gave him half an hour to decide 
whether he would remain unordained, or submit to be 
ordained in the usual way. With deep feeling, he at 
length submitted to the judgment of Presbytery. 



168 CHUKCHES OP THE VALLEY. 

" As a preacher, Mr. Kennedy had few superiors. 
The plan of his discourses was as clear as the sun. 
He could pour a flood of light on almost every subject 
he discussed. And although his voice was unmusical 
and his pronunciation somewhat peculiar, yet there 
was no difficulty, but great pleasure and profit, in at- 
tending to his sermons. They were always orthodox, 
always to the point, always instructive, and frequently 
very impressive. As a scholar, Mr. Kennedy was 
superior to most ministers of his day. Without the 
assistance of an instructor, by his own industry, he 
obtained a competent knowledge of the Hebrew lan- 
guage, and was master of Greek and Latin. As a friend, 
Mr. K. was most valuable. Firm and constant in his 
attachments, he would not sufi'er dangers or difficul- 
ties to alienate him from those for whom he professed 
friendship." 

Two years after the pulpit was vacated by Mr. 
Kennedy's resignation, a call from the congregation 
of East Conococheague was given to the Rev. 
James Buchanan, in which they promised him nine 
hundred dollars annually, and agreed to allow the 
people of Waynesburg to enjoy the one-third of his 
pastoral labours. Mr. Buchanan, who had previously 
been settled at Harrisburg, accepted this call, and 
continued to serve the congregation, though never in- 
stalled as its pastor, until 1839, when, in consequence 
of ill health, which disqualified him for the public 
duties of the ministry, his connexions with it was 
dissolved. It is, we need scarcely say, an anomalous 



GREENCASTLE CHURCH. 169 

thing, in the Presbyterian Church, for a minister to 
preach to a congregation so long a time without in- 
stallation, but this irregularity was tolerated in this 
case by Presbytery, in view of Mr. Buchanan's feeble 
health, which from year to year, seemed to render 
such a solemnity unadvisable. 

For the following notice of this excellent man, we 
are indebted to the Rev. David Elliott, D.D., of the 
Theological Seminary at Allegheny, who was long and 
intimately acquainted with him. 

"The Rev. James Buchanan was a native of Chester 
County, Pennsylvania. He received his collegiate 
education in Dickinson College, Carlisle, where he 
was graduated Sept. 28th, 1803. He studied Theo- 
logy with the Rev. Nathan Grier, D.D., of Brandy- 
wine, and was licensed by the Presbytery of New- 
castle, when he was about twenty -three years of age. 
His first settlement was in the Presbyterian Church 
of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he laboured some 
years with faithfulness and success. His health 
having become impaired, he resigned his pastoral 
charge, and spent several years in travelling, with a 
view to its restoration. At length, finding his health 
in some degree restored, and having received a call 
from the congregation of Greencastle, he accepted 
it, and became their pastor in the year 1816. In 
this pastoral charge he laboured with great fidelity 
and acceptance for about twenty years, when on ac- 
count of declining health, and his inability to discharge 

his pastoral duties to his own satisfaction, he resigned 

15 



170 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

his charge, to the very great regret of his congrega- 
tion, who were devotedly attached to him. In hope 
of retaining him with them, they generously offered 
to accept a diminished amount of labour, such as his 
weak health would allow, without any diminution of 
salary. But a sense of duty and a regard to their 
highest interests, induced him to withdraw, and open 
the way for the settlement of another pastor, who 
would be able to give them the full amount of labour. 
By changing his location, also, he hoped that some- 
thing might be gained in point of health, and that 
his life might be rendered more useful in the service 
of his Divine Master. He accordingly removed with 
his family to Logansport, Indiana, where, in charge of 
the Presbyterian church in that place, he laboured 
with encouraging success, until the Head of the Church 
dismissed him to the possession of his reward. As 
pleasing evidence that he did not labour in vain, we 
have been informed that during the short period of 
his ministry there, the church increased from about 
twenty to an hundred members. His death took place 
at Logansport, on the 16th of September, 1843, at 
the age of sixty years. His disease, which was con- 
gestion of the brain, and which at its first appear- 
ance on the Sabbath, obliged him to close abruptly 
the public services of the sanctuary in which he 
was engaged, terminated in death on the Saturday 
morning following, at five o'clock. The nature and 
violence of his disease incapacitated him for much 
satisfactory conversation. He gave ample evidence, 



GREENCASTLE CHURCH. 171 

however, of his resignation to the will of God, and 
that his hope of salvation was firmly fixed upon the 
atoning blood of Christ. 

To strangers who did not know Mr. Buchanan, his 
appearance was rather harsh and repulsive. His de- 
licate health and shattered nerves, often greatly af- 
fected his spirits, and gave to his countenance the 
appearance of severity and moroseness. But he was 
a man of a warm heart, and of a kind and generous 
disposition. In his friendships he was steadfast, as 
the writer's experience for upwards of twenty years 
enables him to attest. Although he was generally 
grave, yet in the midst of his intimate friends he 
often relaxed, and was highly cheerful and sociable. 
His piety was of a retiring and unostentatious charac- 
ter. It was, however, eminently practical, prompting 
him to the diligent discharge of all incumbent duties. 
He placed a very low estimate on his own piety, and 
although no one else doubted its reality, he himself 
often did. His bodily complaints gave a melan- 
choly complexion to his religious experience, and in- 
terfered largely with his Christian comfort : occa- 
sionally, however, he was favoured with seasons of 
comfort, during which he greatly enjoyed the conso- 
lations of religion. 

As a preacher, he held a very respectable rank. His 
sermons, in their structure, were neat, systematic, 
and short ; in their matter, solid, evangelical, and 
practical ; and in their manner, grave, solemn, and 
earnest. Although he could not be considered elo- 



172 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

quent, he scarcely ever failed to interest and please 
those, who were capable of judging correctly and had 
a taste for good preaching. Indeed, we have known 
very few men who preached so uniformly well. 

In the Judicatories of the Church, Mr. Buchanan 
rarely spoke. This was not owing to any want of 
interest in the affairs of the Church, or any want of 
readiness in communicating his thoughts, but to his 
nervous debility, which induced embarrassment, and 
rendered it exceedingly painful for him to make the 
effort. He was, however, a judicious counsellor, and 
did his part, in this way, in the disposal of the busi- 
ness of the Church. 

In his doctrinal views, he adhered strictly to the 
standards of our Church, which he believed to be in 
conformity with the Word of God. He eschewed all 
novelties in doctrines and forms of worship, being 
content to walk in "the old paths," and the "good 
way" in which his fathers had trod. He was deci- 
dedly and from conviction Old School, and gave his 
hearty approval to the measures which were adopted 
by the Assemblies of 1837 and 1838, to purify the 
Church from error." 

The Rev. J. T. Marshall Davie was the successor 
of Mr. Buchanan. Mr. Davie, in 1840, received a 
call from the congregations of Greencastle and Hagers- 
town. This call he accepted, at the same time re- 
signing his connexion with the Church at Lancaster; 
and in this new relation he continued until 1845, 
when, by his desire, it was dissolved. 



GREENCASTLE CHURCH. 173 

After Mr. Davie's resignation, the Rev. T. V. 

Moore, of Carlisle, was chosen pastor of the Church 
at Greencastle ; and the Church at Wayneshoro', 
which until that time was in connexion with it, then 
became separated, and attached, as it still is, to the 
charge of the Rev. D. D. Clarke, of Adams County. 
After Mr. Moore's acceptance of a call, in 1847, to 
the First Presbyterian Church of Richmond, Va., 
the Rev. W. M. Paxton became pastor at Greencastle, 
and continued in that relation about two years, when 
he took charge of the First Presbyterian Church 
of Pittsburg. The congregation, after having been 
vacant for a year or two, has recently had installed 
over it the Rev. Edwin Emerson, of New York, and a 
member of the last graduating class at the Theolo- 
gical Seminary of Princeton. 

The following are the names of those who, fifty 
years ago and subsequently, were ruling elders in the 
East Conococheague congregation : — John M. David- 
son, Robert Robison, Mr. Sellar, John Watson, John 
M'Lean, Dr. John Boggs, Dr. Andrew Heathering- 
ton, David Fullerton. All of these have gone the 
way of all flesh, except Robert Robison, who now, in 
the 85th year of his age, still continues a member of 
session, and a regular attendant on the public minis- 
trations and ordinances of God's house. "In him," 
says a correspondent, '' there is full illustration of 
the words of the Psalmist, ' The righteous shall 
flourish like the palm tree, he shall grow like a cedar 

15* 



174 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

in Lebanon. — They shall still bring forth fruit in 
old age : they shall be fat and flourishing.' " 

The Session, as at present constituted, consists of 
Robert Robison, James Davison, John AVaddel, and 
Dr. James K. Davidson. 

The first building used as a place of public worship, 
vrithin the bounds of the East Conococheague con- 
gregation, was erected near a spring, on the lands of 
Wm. Rankin, about three-quarters of a mile east of 
Greencastle. The plan of the edifice was one, which 
appears to have been very generally adopted through- 
out that section of the country, at that time. It 
was a frame building, 42J by 28J feet, one story 
high, weatherboarded, and painted red. The inside 
was ceiled and lined with boards. There was an aisle 
running the whole length of the building, and from 
this, running at right angles, were two aisles, leading 
to the front of the building, the former communicating 
at each end with a door, and the latter, each with a 
door in front. The pulpit, made in the style of those 
days, stood at the middle of the north side of the 
house. The pews were arranged on either side, 
and in front along the aisle. The precise number of 
pews, before and after the enlargement of the build- 
ing, is not known. During the incumbency of the 
Rev. Robert Kennedy, for want of sufiicient room to 
accommodate the congregation with seats, an addition 
twelve feet wide, was made to the front. From all the 
information, we can gain, it is about one hundred 
years since the " Old Red Meeting-House," as it 



GREENCASTLE CHURCH. 175 

was, and is still called, was built. This was about 
thirty years before the town of Greencastle was laid 
out by Col. John Allison. This house continued 
to be the place of worship, until the year 1828 
or '29, when it was sold, and some of the material, 
we have been told, was used in the construction of a 
barn, which still stands on an adjacent farm. At 
that date the place of meeting was transferred to 
Greencastle. 

The present church edifice, is situated on the south 
side of West Baltimore Street, and was built in the 
years 1829 and '30. It is a plain brick building, 
being 60 feet long by 50 feet wide, finished in a very 
neat and substantial manner, and having a basement 
under part of it. There are two aisles running its 
whole length, and communicating at each end with 
double doors. It contains sixty-eight pews, and can, 
under the present arrangement, very conveniently 
accommodate with seats, an audience of four hundred 
persons. The pulpit, constructed in a very plain and 
chaste style, somewhat on the modern plan, stands 
in the middle of the southern end, contrasting well 
with the rest of the building. The room in the base- 
ment being damp, and without means for its proper 
ventilation, the congregation, a few years since, built 
quite a neat and beautiful lecture-room, near to the 
church, in which the Sabbath School now assembles, 
and the weekly meetings are regularly held. 



176 



CHAPTER X. 



ROCKY SPRING CHURCH. 

[A series of articles, entitled ^'Chambersburff and its Changes,^* 
from the pen of William C. Lane, M.D., appeared in the "Cum- 
berland Valley Sentinel," during the past year. To the polite- 
ness of this gentleman we are indebted, for the use which is 
now made of the following one of those well-written historical 
sketches. It was prepared with so much accuracy, as to ren- 
der unnecessary on our part, a repetition of the labour of its 
author, in the collection and arrangement of the materials 
which it embodies. We have modified the article somewhat, to 
adapt it to our purpose, and made to it several considerable 
additions, but it is substantially the same as at its first publi- 
cation. — A. N.] 

So we descend ; and winding round a rock, 
Attain a point that showed the valley — stretched 
In length before us ; and, not distant far. 
Upon a rising ground a gray church towers, 
Whose battlements were screened by tufted trees. 
And, towards a crystal mere, that lay beyond. 
Among steep hills and woods embosomed, flowed 
A copious stream with boldly-winding course; 
Here traceable, there hidden — there again 
To sight restored, and glittering in the sun. 
Green is the churchyard, beautiful and green. 
Ridge rising gently by the side of ridge, 
A heaving surface— ral most wholly free 
From interruption of sepulchral stones, 
And mantled o'er with aboriginal turf 
And everlasting flowers. 

Wordsworth. 

We are acquainted with no spot in our County, 



ROCKY SPRING CHURCH. 177 

around which cluster more hallowed and interesting 
associations, than the Church at Rocky Spring. 

After a ride of four miles from Chambersburg, over 
the tortuous road which runs over the Slate Hills, 
towards Strasburg, we approach the venerable edifice. 
It stands near the brow of a hill, which slopes gra- 
dually away in the distance, towards the east. The 
hill seems to be composed almost entirely of limestone 
rocks, and, at the foot, near the Spring, where some 
excavating has been done, are to be seen large masses 
of rock, rising to some distance above the level of the 
water, and indicating that the whole hill is composed 
of the same material. The country for miles around is 
all slate land, through which a vein of limestone runs, 
upon which the church is situated. At the foot of 
the hill, below the church, on the west, the Rocky 
Spring gushes from the hill, and spreads out into a 
broad sheet of cold and clear water in the vale ; and 
after forming a pretty cascade by falling over an 
embankment, soon becomes lost among the luxuriant 
meadows, and quietly wends its way to Back Creek, 
into which it empties. As we approach the Spring 
from Chambersburg, we pass a beautiful woods upon 
a high hill, opposite to which, in the valley, is an old 
orchard, thickly filled with ancient fruit trees. There 
are several roads leading to the church from different 
directions, which make it easy of access from all points. 
From the hill-top, the view is one which is not often 
excelled for picturesque and lovely scenery. The 



178 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

hills and valleys spotted over with farm-houses, the 
thick woods and green fields, the beautiful stream 
meandering through the rich meadows, the old build- 
ing and its graveyard with its ancient tombs and 
fragments of broken fences about the graves, make 
the prospect one of more than ordinary beauty and 
interest. 

The church is an ancient and time-worn structure, 
which stands upon the hill-side, without any ornament 
near it, except a single large hickory tree, which 
grows near the north end, and a small cluster of trees 
a few rods distant towards the southwest. Its form 
is nearly square, and is in size, about 60 by 48 feet. 
It is built of brick, upon a stone foundation which is 
several feet in height. On the southern side is the 
front of the church. There are two doors by which 
it is entered, and, as the floor is some feet above the 
level of the ground, some kind of steps are requisite. 
One door is reached by five^rude steps, similar to those 
used in cellars, formed out of heavy boards, and which 
are not cased on either side. At the other door lie 
two rough logs, which answer the purpose of steps. 
The west side is also provided with steps, precisely 
like those just described, and has one door only. A 
single door is found on the eastern end, where we find 
old steps also of similar description. These steps 
look as if they had stood there for many years, pro- 
bably ever since the church was built, and are now in 
a state of rapid decay. On the northern side, there 



ROCKY SPRING CHURCH. 179 

is no entrance, but there are four windows, between 
two of which is a small square one, which is immedi- 
ately behind the pulpit. The window-shutters are 
made of plain boards, without any panel-work, and, 
together with the doors, were formerly painted red. 
Time has, however, nearly removed the paint, and 
leaves them of a dark rust-colour. The doors are 
somewhat more elaborately made, and like the window- 
shutters, exhibit the same evidences of age. The 
arches of brickwork above the windows and doors 
were painted red, and form a contrast with the rest 
of the building. There is no enclosure around the 
building, which stands alone upon the barren and 
dreary hill. The inside is in correspondence with 
the exterior of the edifice. As we enter, we observe 
the pews formed very much like those of modern 
times, with high straight backs, and without any paint. 
Their arrangement is like that in our modern 
churches. The aisles are paved with bricks, and in 
som.e places, these having crumbled away, limestones 
have been substituted. The broad space in front of 
the pulpit, and between it and the pews, is also paved 
with brick. The floors of the pews are boarded. The 
pulpit is old-fashioned and rough. It is of a circular 
form, and extends some feet from the wall. Above, 
there is an oval-shaped sounding-board, or canopy, 
on which is a rude representation of a star. A plain 
wooden casement extends on either side of the pulpit, 
which, together with the pulpit, is painted a deep blue 



180 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

colour. The pulpit is entered by a staircase, towards 
which a passage, with railing on each side, leads. In 
front of, and below the pulpit, is the chancel. It is 
a square enclosure with board walls, and contains an 
old-fashioned walnut table, a bench formed of heavy 
timber with rough supports, a hickory chair, and a 
couple of benches attached to the sides of the enclo- 
sure. The ceiling is arched, and at the place where 
the walls and the ceiling meet, there is placed all 
around the room, a narrow strip of board, which, to- 
gether with the edges of the window cases, is painted 
blue, similar to the pulpit. There are standing in 
the church, a couple of old ten-plate stoves, which 
have a rough, ancient appearance, and were doubtless 
among the first of the kind cast in the country. The 
pipes extend directly upwards, and two holes are cut 
into the ceiling, through which they are admitted into 
the garret above. There are no chimneys on the 
church, and we presume the pipes are extended 
through the openings which are near the upper por- 
tion of the end walls, and which are now covered with 
rough boards, that are some distance apart. — At 
one end of the ceiling, near the entrance at the south 
side, is a square opening, w^hich serves as an admit- 
tance to the loft. This is reached by means of a rude 
ladder, which is permitted to remain in the church, 
and which makes the ascent steep and dangerous. — 
The numbers of the pews are marked upon the doors 
with red chalk. In several of the back pews, is a 



ROCKY SPRING CHURCH. 181 

quantity of wood, and the utensils necessary for dig- 
ging graves. 

Strange feelings occupy the mind, while wandering 
through this ancient House of God. Those pews 
once held the venerable forms of our forefathers, 
who, in imagination, resume their places, but who 
have long since been laid in their tombs. Not one 
member of those who worshipped there in olden times, 
now exists. In yonder pulpit, for more than half a 
century, the men of God delivered their exhortations, 
and in powerful and eloquent strains pointed their 
hearers to the " Lamb of God which taketh away the 
sins of the world." There, upon yonder platform 
stood the clerk, who raised the song of praise from 
Sabbath to Sabbath, for a lifetime of years. We can 
almost yet hear those songs as they ascend from the 
worshippers, and are borne upon the breeze towards 
the throne of the Almighty Being, in whose praise 
they are sung. Those places are now all filled by 
strangers, and among the congregation can only be 
found, a few of the old men, who were children when 
the church was built. Those ancient walls have 
resounded with countless songs of praise ; and thou- 
sands of eloquent sermons have been delivered from 
the old pulpit, and who can tell how many immortal 
spirits have found admittance within the gates of 
heaven, through their instrumentality ? 

While we gaze on the old building, and reflect upon 

the memories of those who worshipped there long ago, 

16 



182 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

we are forcibly reminded of our own mortality. The 
persons engaged in constructing the venerable edifice, 
and those connected with it as members at the time 
of its erection, are all gone. So too with us — a few 
short years will fly SAviftly away, and, as with eagle 
wings, we will soon be in the eternal future. Soon 
we will meet, face to face, in another world, the old 
worshippers whose place we are now contemplating 
in the lonely church. 

The original church, which was built about the 
time the ancient congregation was organized, stood 
between the present building and the graveyard. It 
stood pretty much in the relation to the points of 
the compass, which the new church sustains, — the 
front being towards the south, and smaller ends 
facing the east and west. It was erected about one 
hundred and ten years ago, and was a rough log 
building, a story and a half high ; and was built in 
the rude style of architecture peculiar to that early 
day. It had one row of windows on the lower story, 
the lights of which were small and few in number. 
It was entered by two doors, which were placed in 
the eastern and western ends of the house. The 
doors were small and single ; they were made of 
plain boards, without any panel-work. 

We find the following reference to this church, on 
the minutes of a meeting of a committee of Presby- 
tery, assembled at " Canigogig, 16th Nov., 1739," 
for the settlement of certain difficulties which had 
arisen : — " A supplication being presented and read. 



ROCKY SPRING CHURCH. 183 

requesting the committee's concurrence that the 
meeting-house be erected at the Rocky-Spring, and 
hearing a great deal on both sides of the question, 
the Committee observing that proper methods were 
fallen into some time ago to regulate this affaire, and 
that a report of the good issue thereof being made 
by Bro. Craighead and a Commissioner from that 
people, together with several other circumstances too 
tedious here to insert, doe agree and conclude that 
the house for publick worship be erected as nigh to 
the Falling Spring as conveniently as may be." 

The present building was erected in the year 
1794, by Mr. Walter Beatty, the gentleman by 
whom the old Court House was erected, soon after 
the formation of Franklin County. The old building, 
although rude and uncomfortable in many respects, 
answered the purpose of a place of worship very well, 
for some years after the organization of the congre- 
gation. But, as this increased, it was found neces- 
sary to build an addition to the house. This was 
formed by constructing a small square building, 
which was attached to the south side of the church, 
and which extended only one-half the length of the 
main structure. The roof was then continued over 
it from the original edifice. When completed, the 
wall between it and the church was sawn away. 
There were no windows in this addition, and it was 
consequently poorly supplied with light. In a few 
years after this alteration, the increasing size of the 
congregation demanded still more room, and another 



184 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

similar addition was built by its side. These altera- 
tions gave tlie house a singular, slanting appearance 
towards the south end. The logs with which the 
former building was erected, were used in construct- 
ing the dwelling-house now occupied by Mr. George 
Sprecher, who resides some two miles from Rocky 
Spring, 

About the time the original church was erected, 
there was also built a small, rough log structure, 
about fifteen feet square, with a w^ide fire-place, and 
a large, wooden chimney, covered with mortar, and 
extending nearly along the whole end of the house. 
This structure stood close beside the church at the 
northeastern end, and was called the " Study House." 
We are told by an aged member of the congregation, 
tliat it was originally built as a receptacle for the 
saddles of the members in rainy weather, as, in those 
early days, they generally came to church on horse- 
back — carriages and other vehicles being rarely used. 
In later years, the minister was accustomed to use it, 
in preparing for the services, when he chanced to 
arrive before the hour at which they began. The 
church session also met here, and arranged the busi- 
ness of the church, and examined candidates for ad- 
mission to membership. After service, the minister 
would resort to it to prepare for any afternoon ser- 
vice which was to be held. The necessity of such a 
place will be obvious, when it is remembered that the 
church officers, from the distance at which they lived 
from the church, were obliged to hold their meetings 



ROCKY SPRING CHURCH. 185 

on Sabbath, when they had collected for the exercises 
of the day ; and, as the church would then be occu- 
pied by the congregation, private business could not 
be transacted there. The " Study House" stood for 
nearly a hundred years, and only a few years have 
elapsed since its removal. 

It was in the old log church that its first pastor, 
the Rev. Mr. Craighead, preached for many years. 
There it was that the minister, in glowing terms, 
preached Jesus Christ, the only hope of salvation, 
and after the delivery of his sacred message, in elo- 
quent and patriotic strains, exhorted the youth of 
the congregation to rise up, and join the noble band, 
then engaged under the immortal Washington, in 
struggling to free our beloved country from British 
oppression. It is related that, upon one occasion, 
from the pulpit, the patriotic preacher declaimed in 
such burning and powerful terms against the wrongs 
we then were suffering, that after one glowing de- 
scription of the duty of the men, the whole congre- 
gation rose from their seats, and declared their will- 
ingness to march to the conflict. 

There was but one, tradition says, in the entire 
assembly, who was not overcome by the stirring 
appeal that was made, and that was an aged female, 
in whom maternal affection, recently caused to bleed, 
completely mastered both a sense of propriety and 
the love of liberty. "Stop, Mr. Craighead," she 
exclaimed; "I jist want to tell ye, agin you loss 
such a purty boy as I have, in the war, ye will na be 

16* 



186 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

SO keen for figliting ; quit talking, and gang yersel to 
the war. Yer always preaching to the boys about it, 
but I dinna think ye'd be very likely to gang yersel. 
Jist go and try it." 

As we walk reverentially over the hill, we feel as 
if we were treading upon sacred ground — dedicated 
to God and American Liberty. We can almost 
fancy we see the man of God standing where we 
now stand, telling to the assembled multitude the 
story of their country's wrongs, and urging them to 
hesitate no longer which to choose, cowardly inacti- 
vity or the noble part of brave defenders of their 
country's rights. We hear him call on them as he 
stands before his old church, and requests those who 
desire to march with him to battle, to hesitate no 
^longer, but place themselves by his side, and acknow- 
ledge him their commander, who will lead them to 
the field of battle, where they will save America, or 
perish in the cause of Freedom. One by one they 
approach their pastor, and soon a long line of daunt- 
less spirits stretches across the green to the neigh- 
bouring wood. The wives, mothers, and sisters, stand 
gazing on the exciting scene, and with sweet, encou- 
raging words, urge them to stand by their pastor 
and captain, and trust in the arm of the Lord of 
Hosts for the result. At length the line is completed, 
and they are dismissed, to meet on the following 
Monday. Soon after the dawn of day, might be seen 
the sturdy husbandman, with gray hairs scattered 
over his brow, and the youth of few years, reaching 



EOCKY SPRING CHURCH. 187 

down their old fire-arms, hitherto used only for 
beasts of prey, or the wild game, but now to be used 
for other purposes. They fling around their necks 
their rude powder-horns and bullet-pouches, and 
shouldering their guns, march to the place of ren- 
dezvous. As the eye wanders over the neighbour- 
hood, in the distance they may be seen, one by one, 
drawing near the hill. Soon they are all assembled, 
and their company is organized, and after an elo- 
quent appeal to the Almighty, the Reverend Captain 
places himself at their head, and the noble band 
marches off to battle. As they march away over 
the hills, ever and anon they cast a lingering look 
back upon their beloved friends, who stand weeping 
upon the hill, and upon their old and loved place of 
worship, which many of them will never enter again. 
The company joined the army of Washington, and 
gave undoubted evidence that their courage was of 
no mean order, but was based upon the hallowed 
principles of Christianity ; which, although discoun- 
tenancing bloodshed and war, does not forbid the 
oppressed to make an effort to throw off the yoke of 
the oppressor. 

Their Captain engaged vigorously in the war, and 
during the hours spent in camp, habitually acted as 
chaplain to the soldiers. After the war was over, he 
returned to his charge, and faithfully watched over 
the congregation until the period of his death, which 
occurred in 1799. 

We will now enter the graveyard, and describe 



188 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

the appearance of the tombs which mark the places 
where many of the old members of the congrega- 
tion sleep. The graveyard is large, and is en- 
closed by a rough post-and-rail fence. Over the 
gateway is a yoke, extending from one post to the 
opposite one. Along the fence, on the outside of the 
yard, near the gate, stand three or four oak trees. 
These, with two poplar and wild cherrytrees in the 
southern end, and a single cedar near the centre of 
the yard, are the only trees about the enclosure. The 
ground is covered with thick and high grass, and wild 
thyme grows luxuriantly over the greater portion of 
the graveyard. We are sorry to say that this desti- 
tution of trees is not natural, but is owing to the de- 
structive propensities of uncultivated man. In looking 
over the yard, we may see many trunks of noble trees 
which fell before the axe. One stood near the tomb 
of the Rev. Mr. Craighead, and the beams of the 
beating sun were obstructed by its wide-spreading 
branches. It has been removed ; and now the spot is 
bare and cheerless, and the tomb lies exposed to the 
rays of the scorching summer sun. Previously, it 
was shaded and cool, and was a lovely spot for the 
visitor to linger and meditate upon the life and cha- 
racter of the departed ; and, also upon the interesting 
scenes which were long years ago enacted on the hill- 
side near by. What think you, reader, was the cause 
which was deemed sufficient to justify such wanton 
destruction ? We are told they shaded the tombs and 
made them and the yard too damp ! This very fact 
would have appealed urgently to a cultivated heart 



ROCKY SPRING CHURCH. 189 

in their behalf, but the bold destroyers deemed it a 
sufficient reason for their destruction. We envy not 
the feelings of a man who would thus ruthlessly enter 
the place where rest the dead, and rob their graves of 
their proudest ornaments. They had stood there 
perhaps, ever since the old log church was erected, 
now more than a century ago, and had sheltered the 
ancient congregation from the oppressive heat of 
many a summer's day. For many long years, under 
those trees, the Reverend Pastor and his flock assem- 
bled, and exchanged the courteous salutations of friend- 
ly intercourse, upon each successive Sabbath day. 
Here, the venerable sires and matrons of the congre- 
gation met before the hour for service, or during 
the intermission at noon, and talked over the excit- 
ing events of the Revolution, and expressed their 
kind interest in the welfare of those of their brethren 
and neighbours, who were then fighting for our inde- 
pendence, under the illustrious Washington. There 
they recounted each gallant deed of the patriot band, 
until their youthful auditors burned with patriotic 
enthusiasm, and bravely declared their determination 
to march oiF to the tented field, and join their com- 
rades in the fight. Amongst those lofty boughs, the 
gentle dove built her nest and reared her young, 
whose mournful notes, as the shades of evening drew 
near, seemed a fitting requiem for the spirits of the 
dead. Upon the topmost branches of those venerable 
trees, the lark alighted, as the morning dawned from 
behind the eastern horizon, and in sweet, harmo- 



190 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

nious strains, sung her matin song, as if offering her 
tribute of praise to the Great Creator of the lovely 
scenes amidst which she lived. From some ancient 
walnut, the timid squirrel looked out from his nest, 
with curious eye, upon the assembly below, until, at 
length becoming accustomed to their presence, he 
skipped playfully among the branches, and gathered 
the ripened fruit to provide against the approaching 
winter. 

We will now enter the old churchyard, and endea- 
vour to trace out the inscriptions on its ancient and 
moss-covered tombs. A feeling of awe pervades our 
mind as we wander over the resting-places of those 
who lived, many of them, almost a century ago. 
Here sleep many brave spirits who freely ventured 
their all to secure the precious freedom which we now 
enjoy. Here are they who settled among the hills 
and dales which surround us on every side, and the 
stroke of whose axe first broke the stillness of the 
forest, and who cleared the fruitful fields, now covered 
with the luxuriant * harvest, which are in the pos- 
session of those who were then unborn. Here lies 
the beloved Pastor of the old congregation, and all 
around him repose the remains of the persons who 
listened for many long years to his eloquent teach- 
ings, and who, in time of danger, marched with him 
to share the perils of the protracted struggles which 
released our land from the tyranny of a foreign foe. 
Here rest the honoured remains of the ancestors of 
many of our community, who have long since ceased 



IIOCKY SPRING CHURCH. 191 

the struggle incident to human life. All around us 
lie the brave men of other nations who came to our 
land, and among the wilds of a savage and uninhabited 
region, built the House of God, and disseminated 
through our remote settlements, the hallowed princi- 
ples of the religion of Jesus Christ. The graves of 
many of these bear no inscriptions, by means of which 
the name and station of the occupant can be ascer- 
tained. Many of them are only marked by rude 
stones, or boards, which have almost crumbled into 
dust after the long lapse of years since they were 
erected. 

As we enter the graveyard, from the gate, at the 
distance of a few feet from the fence, we meet the rest- 
ing-place of the first regular minister of the Rocky 
Spring Church. When the tomb was first built, it 
consisted of a brick wall, upon which a large flat slab 
of gray stone was placed. Through the effects of 
time, the walls have sunk, and the slab now lies upon 
the ground — we are sorry to say, broken into several 
pieces. These again, are broken into numerous 
smaller portions, and are so scattered about, that it 
is somewhat difficult to make out the inscription. In a 
short time more, these numerous fragments, bearing 
parts of the letters of the inscription, must necessarily 
become scattered and lost, and the visitor will vainly 
endeavour to read the remaining characters. 

It shows little respect for the memory of the great 
and good man who lies beneath, for the children of 
his old congregation — the co-labourers in his efforts in 



192 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

disseminating the precious messages of the Book of 
Life — thus to permit his tomb to be destroyed, with- 
out making an effort to save it. The recollections of 
the past should induce them to protect it, and not 
permit even this last memento of departed worth to 
be broken into fragments, and cast uselessly away. 
After collecting the broken pieces, and placing them 
in their proper position, we were enabled to read the 
following inscription : 

" In memory of the Rev. John Craighead, who de- 
parted this life the 20th day of April, A. D. 1799, 
aged 57 years. Ordained to preach the Gospel and 
installed pastor of the congregation of Rocky Spring, 
on the 13th of April, A. D. 1768. He was a faithful 
and zealous servant of Jesus Christ." 

To the right of the grave, stands the stump of a 
large forest tree : and a beautiful cedar, the only one 
in the yard, grows near its foot. The space all 
around the tomb is beautifully covered with thyme, 
which somewhat relieves the barrenness of the spot. 
Near the tomb of the Minister are three graves, 
marked by stones of a very ancient appearance, one 
of which contains the following inscription : 

" In memory of James Robertson, who departed 
this life August 13, 1793, aged 4 years and ten 
months." 

Another stands by its side, and bears the inscrip- 
tion : 

" In memory of Elizabeth, wife of Alexander Ro- 



ROCKY SPRING CHURCH. 193 

bertson, who departed this life 8th April, 1780, aged 
30 years." 

Near by is a third stone, from which we copy the 
following words : 

" In memory of William Robertson, who departed 
this life April, 1796, aged 44 years. 

" In the same grave lieth their infant daughter Eli- 
zabeth." 

These three stones are of gray slate, of a much 
harder quality than the ordinary slate, and which 
seems to be little influenced by the hand of time. 
They are all near the grave of the Pastor, a little to 
the east of his tomb, and partly under the shade of 
the cedar tree which stands near by. To the left, as 
we enter the gate, is an old stone, formed of slate, upon 
which we find the following words, cut in very old- 
fashioned letters : 

" In memory of Mary Cummins, who departed this 
life Nov. 9th, 1790, aged 17 years." 

By its side is another stone, of the same character, 
of which the following epitaph is a representation : 

" In memory of John Boyd, who departed this life 
in the year 1770." 

" In memory of Elizabeth, wife of Charles Cum- 
mins, who departed this life 9th Sept., 1802, aged 54 
years." 

These three last-mentioned graves stand side by 
side, and contain members of the same family. 

Near the latter is another old stone, of the same 
kind, and upon which the following words appear : 

17 



194 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

" In memory of Mary, wife of John Boyd, who died 
June 30th, 1778." 

" In memory of Elizabeth Cummins, who died Deer. 
30, 1792, aged 12 years." 

To the right of these graves, and near the entrance 
to the yard, is the oldest tombstone in the burying- 
ground. It is roughly carved on a hard slate stone, 
similar to those already described, and which diifers 
considerably from the slate found in the neighbour- 
hood. We are ignorant of the source from which it 
was derived. It has a venerable and antique ap- 
pearance, and in the form of the letters, and the mode 
of spelling, differs materially from the custom of later 
times. The stone is nearly round on the top, and 
contains a rim cut into it in a rough manner. 
Above the inscription appears a representation of an 
angel's face and wings. The stone is covered with 
moss, which sticks tenaciously to it, and renders its 
deciphering a task somewhat difficult. The following 
is a copy of the inscription : 

" Here lys the body of John Burns, who departed 
this life December y' 23, 1760, aged ; 79 years." 

The occupant of this tomb lived at a period before 
any settlement wasmadeinthispart of the State, and 
when nearly all of Pennsylvania was a howling wil- 
derness. He was born in 1681 — one year before 
William Penn came to America. His remains have 
lain here for nearly one hundred years. At the period 
of his death, he lived where Mr. Tobias Crider now 
resides. In the neighbourhood, near this grave, is 



ROCKY SPRING CHURCH. 195 

another, marked by a couple of moss-covered lime- 
stones, bearing no letters, but covered with grass, and 
about which fragments of a fence yet remain. This 
is doubtless amongst the oldest graves in the burying- 
ground. 

In the southwestern corner of the yard, is an old 
tomb, the walls of which are of rough, unhewn lime- 
stone, and which is covered by two marble slabs of 
large size. Beneath this tomb sleep an aged couple 
and several of their children. The venerable pair 
far transcended the usual limits of human life, and 
lived to an extreme old age. The wall is falling 
away on one side, and the rough stones, together with 
the old marble slabs, coloured almost black by age, 
give the tomb an ancient and interesting appearance. 
One slab of mottled marble gives us the following 
memorial of those who rest beneath it. 

" In memory of James M' Calmont, who departed this 
life July the 2d, 1780, aged 96 years." 

"Also, Jane, his wife, who departed this life, May 
the 4th, 1794, aged 100 years." 

" Also of Charles, Elizabeth, and Isabella, their 
children." 

The other stone is the memento of their son, James 
M' Calmont, of whom we shall speak somewhat at 
length. 

"In memory of James M'Calmont, Esqr., who de- 
parted this life July the 19th, 1809, aged 72 years." 

The occupant of this tomb lived near Strasburg, on 
the farm now occupied by Mr. John Dice. He was 



196 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

a Major in the Revolutionary War, and became dis- 
tinguished as a brave and accomplisbed soldier. 
When the British had possession of Philadelphia, 
Major M'Calmont commanded a company of Rangers, 
whose duty it was to intercept the supplies of provi- 
sions which the Tories might be disposed to send to 
the city. Upon one occasion, while on duty in New 
Jersey, opposite the city, he captured about a dozen 
Hessian soldiers. Having no convenient way of 
disposing of them, he marched them to Strasburg, 
near which he owned a large tract of land, and in- 
duced them to settle there, by presenting one with a 
few acres of land, another with a tannery, a third 
with a tavern stand, and providing for the residue in 
a manner suitable to their several capacities. 

During the war, the inhabitants of the Cumberland 
Valley were much annoyed by the inroads of the 
Indians, who murdered the people, burned their 
houses and barns, destroyed their crops, and com- 
mitted the usual atrocities characteristic of savage 
warfare. The inhabitants were obliged to work in 
their fields after night, for fear of being surprised 
and murdered by their subtle foes. The farmer 
would drop his corn, as he ran through the fields, 
and cover it with his foot, while he held his rifle in 
his hand, and feared to stoop, lest he might be at- 
tacked by the lurking Indian. In this manner a 
farmer would plant his field in a single night, as he 
did not pretend to raise more grain than was abso- 
lutely necessary for the subsistence of himself and 



ROCKY SPRING CHURCH. 197 

his stock, and considered himself fortunate if he did 
even thus much. In the neighbourhood of Strasburg 
and Roxburj, the Indians were particularly trouble- 
some. We have been told by an old 'and highly 
respected citizen of this vicinity, that, on one occa- 
sion, the Indians captured a number of persons in 
the neighbourhood of, and not far from, Rocky Spring, 
and proceeded with their prisoners towards Bedford. 
About the same time another party burned the fort 
(which then stood near Bossart's Mill), after shooting 
the only man who happened to be in it at the time, 
and then followed in the same direction taken by the 
preceding gang. A company of the inhabitants of 
the neighbourhood, under the command of Captain 
Alexander Culbertson, went in pursuit of the Indians, 
and overtook them near Sideling Hill. A desperate 
fight ensued, in which the company of Capt. C. was 
defeated, and himself killed. A number of the men 
were made prisoners, and carried off by the Indians. 
The stream known as Bloody Run, is said to have 
derived its name from this battle, which is repre- 
sented to have occurred in its vicinity. We wish it 
clearly understood, that we do not give this statement 
as historically correct ; but we think it is as plausible 
an explanation of the naming of Bloody Run, as any 
we have yet seen. A short time before the battle, a 
man, named McConnell, was ploughing near the 
Spring, and was surprised by a couple of Indians, 
who shot at, but fortunately missed him, and lodged 

a ball in the handle of his plough. He ran into a 

17* 



198 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

house near by, where the Indians did not follow him. 
His remains now repose in the churchyard at Rocky 
Spring. His. brother, not yet arrived at manhood, 
was taken, but managed to make his escape at the 
slaughter at Bloody Run. There were a number of 
forts in the neighbourhood, to which the people fled 
upon the approach of the enemy. One stood at the 
mill on Mr. Bossart's farm, near the foot of the 
mountain; another (called Reed's Fort) on the farm 
now owned by William Etter, about one mile and a 
half from Rocky Spring ; another at Strasburg ; and 
a strong fortress stood on the hill, in the town of 
Shippensburg. 

The above remarks may appear to be somewhat of 
a digression, but we deem them essential to a clear 
understanding of what follows, respecting the adven- 
tures of Major McCalmont. This gentleman was 
generally selected as the leader of the parties sent 
in pursuit of the savages, after the perpetration of 
their numerous hostile acts ; and, from his success in 
discovering their haunts, and inflicting summary ven- 
geance upon them for their atrocities, he became 
quite celebrated as an Indian-hunter ; and was con- 
sidered by the savages as a daring and formidable 
foe. As a bush-fighter he was quite equal to the 
most wily Indian. One day he met unexpectedly a 
tall, desperate-looking savage, while alone in the 
woods, near his residence at Strasburg. Both hap- 
pening to see each other simultaneously, took to 
trees, and each endeavoured to get a shot at his 



KOCKY SPRING CHURCH. 199 

antagonist ; after evading each other for some time, 
the savage incautiously peeped from behind the tree, 
and instantly received a ball from the rifle of his 
dexterous enemy. Upon another occasion, while 
returning home from Chambersburg, he was pursued 
by a party of Indians, who were bent on securing 
the scalp of their old and hated enemy. After 
running for a considerable distance, he darted into a 
barn which stood near by, and escaped out of the 
other side, and secreted himself in a thicket, unob- 
served by his pursuers. The savages supposing he 
was yet in the barn, set it on fire, and stood around 
it, yelling in exultation at their supposed success in 
capturing their foe. When they discovered that 
they were bafiled, they commenced the search after 
the Major, and soon found his trail, and again joined 
hotly in the pursuit. The Major was remarkable 
for his swiftness of foot, and succeeded in outrunning 
the Indians, who pursued him to the fort at Ship- 
pensburg. They often chased him to this fort, we 
are told ; and, on several occasions, he selected men 
from the garrison, and, in turn, pursued the Indians, 
and avenged himself by returning with their scalps. 
During the war, he was working one day in the field 
with several other persons, at harvest-time. The 
guns of the party were in a distant part of the field. 
A gang of several prowling savages suddenly sprang 
from the thicket, and one, more bold than the rest, 
ran for the guns. McCalmont also started ofi" on the 
same errand ; and, although the Indian had the ad- 



200 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

vantage of the ground, reached the guns first, one of 
"which he snatched from the stack, and with it shot 
the savage dead. The settlers coming up soon after 
the Major, the Indians retreated. He was considered 
by the Indians as quite as swift a runner as they, 
and fully equal to themselves in all the wiles and 
strategy of their peculiar warfare. In consequence 
of his extraordinary fleetness and agility, they be- 
stowed on him the appellation of '' Supple McCal- 
mont." On the southwestern side of the town of 
Strasburg, there is a cave, called "McCalmont's 
Cave," in which he was accustomed to hide, when 
closely pursued by the Indians. It was in the midst 
of a thicket, and so covered by thick vines and 
bushes, that it afibrded an admirable retreat in times 
of danger. 

The Major was a tall, muscular man, of modest 
and unpretending manners. In private life, his quiet, 
difiident deportment gave no indication of the daunt- 
less spirit of the man, of which he presented so many 
evidences in his encounters with the Indians, as well 
as with the British army during his campaign under 
General Washington. After the conclusion of the 
war, he was appointed one of the Associate Judges 
of Franklin County, soon after its formation. He 
died at Strasburg in 1809. 

Near the fence, in the western end of the yard, is 
a tomb, formed in the usual square, or rather oblong 
shape, with a brick wall and marble slab, which is 
nearly blackened by age and exposure. The wall is 



KOCKY SPRING CHURCH. 201 

falling away, and the bricks are scattered about the 
tomb, which was formerly surrounded by a paling 
fence ; a few posts of which, with two or three decay- 
ing rails, yet remain. On the stone is the simple, 
modest inscription : 

"Joseph Armstrong; born 1739, and died 29th 
Augt., 1811." 

The tenant of this tomb lived on Mr. Wise's place, 
near the mountain. During the Revolution he was 
a major in the Pennsylvania militia. 

In the eastern end of the enclosure, we find two 
graves, which strike the eye on account of their 
ancient appearance, which results rather from the 
gray colour of the stones, than any peculiarity in the 
wording or carving on them. The inscription on one 
of them reads thus : 

*' In memory of Mary Machen, who departed this 
life August 2d, 1803, aged 75 years." 

Close beside this gravestone is the other, which we 
are told is 

" In memory of Elizabeth, wife of John Machen, 
died 24th September, 1804, aged 54 years." 

In the extreme southwestern corner of the burial- 
ground, beneath the poplar trees, are a number of 
pieces which form a very beautiful monument. They 
are scattered about in confusion over the ground ; and 
some of the handsome slabs were so covered with clay, 
that it was difficult to read the engraving which they 
contained. The sides of the tomb, and many of the 
columns were deeply sunk into the ground, in conse- 



202 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

quence of having lain there for so many years. There 
are more than a dozen of pieces, many of which are 
now partially injured by carelessness, and the confused 
manner in which they are strewn over the ground. 
Some pieces lean against the trees, and others are so 
much covered by grass as to be hidden from view. 
The side stones are handsomely made in the form of 
panel-work, and the columns are beautifully fluted. 
They are all of fine, white marble, which, however, is 
now blackened by exposure to the elements, for more 
than half a century. The whole monument was a 
beautiful structure, much handsomer we presume than 
any now there. We are told that these pieces were 
brought to the graveyard, from Philadelphia, more 
than fifty years ago; but owing to some cause, with 
which our informant is unacquainted, they were never 
erected into a tomb, but have remained as separate 
pieces ever since. After cleaning the letters of the 
topmost slab, we have copied the inscription and the 
verses accompanying it, without any alteration as re- 
gards arrangement and punctuation. 

" Jane Cooper, was born, 1st of July, 1768, and 
(J. N.) died, on the 26th evening of June, 1796. 

"Jane Nicholson's respected dust, now here, 
Once liv'd esteem'd, and shar'd health's warmest cheer 
Her life seem'd fix'd, as but with age to cease 
Till fated accident produced disease 
Young, wise and good ! she was her children's guide 
Bliss to her partner, joy to all alli'd. 



ROCKY SPRING CHURCH. 203 

"From tender youth, sh' obey'd, with love and awe 
Reasons, religion, and her parents, law ; 
So grew, her dignifying strength of mind ; 
Tho' firm, yet soft, and happily refin'd 
No affectation, pride, or passion, stain'd 
Nor harbour'd ills her candid breast prophan'd. 

"Her face expressive, spoke each thought sincere 
Truth and its friends, to her, were ever dear. 
Eager she priz'd each social, virtuous joy; 
But prudent shunn'd the haunts, which peace destroy. 

" For other's woes, her keenest sorrows flow'd 
Or for th' impious wandering from their God 
Is she perhaps, your guardian Angel, still ? 
children ! live as would obey her will, 
So shall you join her on that happy shore 
Where death or grief, will visit you no more." 

On one of the side pieces of the monument, whicli 
had sunk deeply into the earth, and which was re- 
moved with difficulty from its bed, we read as follows : 

" William Cooper Nicholson died on the 16th morn- 
ing of April, 1798. — Before the end of his third year." 

On the other side piece we find the following 
verses : 

"Oh! when will spring visit the mould'ring urn 
And celestial dawn bless the night of the Grave ? 
Blest Angels rejoicing, will all hail the great Morn, 
When Saints bright descending, their bodies receive." 

A few feet from the above, are three square tombs, 
with walls of hewn limestone, and slabs of white mar- 



204 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

ble, which are erected over the remains of the departed 
members of the Wilson family. Upon one are the 
names of John Wilson, Sr., who died in 1826 — aged 
76 years; and Sarah, consort of John Wilson, who 
died in July, 1848, at the advanced age of 96 years. 
The one next to this is dedicated to the memory of 
John Wilson, Jr., who died in 1818, aged 27 years. 
Upon the third is the name of Alexander Wilson, who 
died on the 24th September, 1828, aged 24 years ; it 
also contains the name of James Wilson, who died in 
July, 1847, aged 56 years. Upon these monuments 
are several verses of poetry, which we will not copy, 
on account of their length. To the right of these and 
somewhat nearer the lower fence, are two handsome 
marble monuments, erected over the remains of the 
McClellan family, from which we copy the names of 
those who sleep beneath them ; omitting also several 
verses, for the reason given above. Upon the first is 
the name of George McClellan, Esq., who departed 
this life July 15th, 1823, in the 62d year of his age. 
The next is dedicated to the memory of Lydia McClel- 
lan, who died in 1840, aged 68 years. In the rear 
of the McClellans are the graves of David McKinney, 
who died in 1835, aged 68 years ; and Eleanor McKin- 
ney, whose death occurred in 1825, in her 53d year. 
Near the spot where repose the ashes of the McKin- 
neys, are two plain marble stones, which are erected in 
commemoration of Grizida, consort of Robert McCon- 
nel, who died in 1832, in the 36th year of her age; 
and of Captain John McConnel, who died in August, 



ROCKY SPRING CHURCH. 205 

1819, aged 73 years. At the distance of a few rods 
towards the northern end of the yard, are a number 
of neat tombstones which mark the last resting-place 
of several members of the Davis family. Mr Davis 
died in October, 1823, in his 62d year. Sarah, wife 
of William Davis, died in 1825, aged 64 years. Close 
by is the tomb of Col. Stephen Wilson, who died in 
1823, aged 46 years. Near this point are three beau- 
tiful marble tombstones which indicate the place where 
repose the Grier family. The deceased are Thomas 
Grier, whose death occurred in 1818, in his 17th year ; 
Margaret Grier, who departed this life in 1822, in the 
20th year of her age; and Michael Grier, who died 
m 1844, aged eleven years. Near by is the tomb of 
John Durborow, whose decease occurred in 1825 
when he was sixteen years old. In the southern part 
of the yard, near the monuments of the Wilsons is 
an old grave, covered over with thyme, and marked 
by a headstone of gray-coloured sandstone, upon 
which is carved, in very old-fashioned, rude charac- 
ters, the following inscription. 

"Here lies the body of John Wade, who departed 
this life, January 17th, A. D. 1799, aged 80 years " 

On the footstone, in the same style, is chiselled the 
lollowmg exhortation ; 

"Kemember, man, as you pass by, as you are now 
so once was I ; as I am now so must you be ; remember, 
man, that thou must die." 

^ Close by the above is another stone, of the same 
kind, upon which we decipher the following words 

18 ' 



206 CHUKCHBS OF THE VALLEY. 

with some difficulty, owing to the rough manner in 
which tliey are cut. 

"Here lyes the body of McDonell McConnell who 
departed this life, July 29, 1776, 75 years." 

The next grave is the resting-place of Rosannah 
McConnell. Upon the gray sandstone, at the head 
of her grave, we are told that 

" Here lyes the body of Rosannah McConnell wife 
of Robert McConnell, who departed this life-177U. 

The stone is broken into two pieces, and part ot 
the inscription remains below the ground, and cannot 

be read. , , ^ 

In the northwestern portion of the yard, are two 
white stones, which are placed at the graves of Mary 
Jane and Samuel, son and daughter of Charles and 
Elizabeth Culbertson, who died at early ages m the 
years 1815 and 1816. 

Near the centre of the yard are two monuments 
which we will next describe. The first is composed of 
a marble slab which rests upon a brick wall, part ot 
which has sunk into the ground, and the whole ot 
which appears to be in a decaying condition. On tlie 
slab we are informed that it was erected 

" In memory of Hugh Beard, who departed this 
life, December 8d, 1771, aged 14 years ; also Sarah 
Beard who departed this life, March 16th, 1794, aged 

20 years." 

Adioining this tomb stands one which was origi- 
nally much handsomer, but is now much impaired by 
time The sides are formed of broad stones, of a yel- 



ROCKY SPRING CHURCH. 207 

lowish colour, fastened at the angles by iron clasps, 
and supporting a slab, which is moved partly from its 
position, on which we find the following inscription : 

" In memory of Martha Beard, wife of John Beard, 
Junr., who departed this life, December 17th, 1795, 
aged 40 years ; also Agnes Beard, mother of the above, 
departed this life, Feb. 20th, 1810, aged 80 years." 

Beside these two graves is another, marked by a 
head and foot of blue slate, which was erected 

" In memory of Jane Jamison, daughter of John 
and Agnes Baird, Senr's, departed this life, December 
9th, 1799, aged 24 years." 

Around these graves a paling fence once stood. 
This has now partially fallen down, and parts of it 
lie scattered about the tomb. Two sides yet remain, 
which meet at a right angle. The whole appearance 
of the fence and graves, indicates exposure to the de- 
stroying hand of time for many years. In the south- 
eastern portion of the yard are two substantial lime- 
stone tombs, supporting marble slabs, one of which is 
dedicated to the memory of '' Mrs. Mary Culbertson, 
consort of Joseph Culbertson, and daughter of James 
Finley, Esq.," who died in 1817. The other "is 
dedicated to the memory of James Finley, Esq., and 
Jane his wife. James died the 27th day of Septem- 
ber, 1812, in the 73d year of his age. Jane departed 
this life on the 21st of July, 1814, aged 69 years." 
Not far from this is a grave, thickly covered with 
thyme, and marked by a couple of rough limestones, on 
one of which we read, " G. Vance, 1793." Near this, 



208 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

are three other graves, similar in appearance, all co- 
vered "vvith thyme and marked by pieces of limestone, 
upon the respective headstones of which, the following 
initials are rudely chiselled : 

"P X L 
N X L 
M X L." 

A few paces from these is a marble stone, which is 
erected, 

" In memory of Mary, the wife of James Gibson, 
who departed this life, April 25th, 17 — , in the 71 year 
of her age. 

"All you that come my grave to see 
Prepare for Death and follow me 
Prepare for Death make no delay 
For suddenly I was snatched away." 

We copy the above just as we find it. It will be 
perceived that the year of her death is not given. 

There are many other graves in the yard, a descrip- 
tion of which would be tedious to the reader, and re- 
quire more space than we can appropriate to it. We 
have given those which are the most prominent, and 
strike the visitor as interesting, either on account of 
their venerable appearance, or the quaintness of the 
inscriptions which they bear. Those about which we 
shall say nothing, are of recent date ; and diJBfer in 
no respect from those seen in any modern church- 
yard. We may also state that the inscriptions which 



ROCKY SPRING CHURCH. 209 

we have given above, are copied from the stones with- 
out any alteration in regard to spelling. 

Of the early history of the Congregation of Rocky 
Spring, we know little. We do not know precisely 
how many years have elapsed since it was organized, 
but we do know that divine services were held in the 
old church, one hundred and nine years ago. In the 
year 1742, we learn from the minute-book of the Ses- 
sion of the Middle Spring Church, near Shippensburg, 
that a meeting was held by the congregation, for the 
purpose of making some arrangement in relation to 
the distribution of the pastoral labours of the Rev. Mr. 
Blair, who, it appears, was the minister of the Middle 
Spring, Big Spring, and Rocky Spring congregations. 
It was then determined that the reverend gentleman 
should preach on every third Sabbath, at each of these 
places, alternately. These congregations were esta- 
blished about the same time, by the Donegal Pres- 
bytery, in Lancaster County, in this State. The 
Presbytery was accustomed to send out missionaries 
to preach for the different churches, in their infancy, 
before they were large enough to support a settled 
minister. This appears to have been the manner in 
which the church at Rocky Spring was supplied, for 
some years after its establishment. 

At the time the old church was built, the land upon 
which it stood belonged to the government, and had 
never been surveyed by the congregation. When the 
present building was about being erected, a warrant 
was taken out by the Trustees, and the land occupied 

18* 



210 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

by the congregation was then, for the first time, sur- 
veyed. The following is a transcript of the original 
warrant, copied from the official draught filed in the 
office of the Deputy Surveyor, and politely handed 
to us by Samuel M. Armstrong, Esq. " Warrant 
for 5 acres, granted to George Matthews, Esq., James 
M'Calmont, Esq., James Ferguson, Esq., Joseph 
Culbertson, Esq., and Samuel Culbertson, Trustees 
for the congregation including the Rocky Spring 
Church.— November 6th, 1792." A draught of the 
land is attached to the above, which, of course, we 
cannot transfer to paper, without unnecessary labour 

and expense. 

We shall now speak of the several ministers who 
have officiated at Rocky Spring as its regularly or- 
dained pastors. The period embraced by the labours 
of these gentlemen, is about eighty-three years. 

The first regular minister of the church, Avas the 
Rev. John Craighead, of whom we have already 
spoken. Mr. C. was the son of Mr. John Craighead, 
who settled at an early date on Yellow Breeches 
Creek, near Carlisle, and who was a cousin of the 
Rev. Thomas Craighead, pastor of Big Spring. He 
received his education at Princeton College, of which 
Institution he was a graduate. He was installed as 
pastor at Rocky Spring, in 1768, but we presume he 
had been accustomed to preach there before that time. 
At the commencement of the Revolutionary War, as 
previously stated, he raised a company from the mem- 
bers of his charge, and joined the army of General 



ROCKY SPRING CHURCH. 211 

Washington, in New Jersey. Of his valour there can 
be no question. " He fought and preached alternately," 
says a friend, in noticing his character, " breasted all 
danger, relying on his God and the justice of his 
cause for protection.". 

His company was present at the battle on Long 
Island, and acquitted themselves with much gallan- 
try. Mr. C. was also with the army, when Fort Wash- 
ington was evacuated, and fell into the hands of the 
British. His friend, the Rev. Dr. Cooper, for many 
years pastor of the Middle Spring Church, was also 
present on this occasion, and was, we believe, also 
captain of a company. He and Mr. C. were very 
intimate, and were in the same mess, as they were 
congenial spirits. Mr. Craighead was somewhat 
celebrated as a humourist, and many good jokes are 
told of him by many aged persons, by whom he is 
well remembered. One day, it is said, going into 
battle, a cannon-ball struck a tree near him, a 
splinter of which nearly knocked him down. " God 
bless me!" exclaimed Mr. Cooper, ^' you were nearly 
knocked to staves." " Oh yes," was his reply, "and 
though you are a Qooper^ you could not have set me 

5 1 

up. 

Mr. Craighead was a tall, handsome man, with 
dark chestnut-coloured hair, and possessed a strong, 
clear, and musical voice. His disposition was mild, 
aifable, and peculiarly winning ; which, together with 
his agreeable social qualities, rare conversational 
powers, and fine humour, made him the favourite of 



212 CHURCnBS OF THE VALLEY. 

all who chanced to know him ; and from his promi- 
nent position, there were few persons in the neigh- 
bourhood who did not know him. His ministry was 
at one time interrupted for a few months, hj mental 
alienation, and we are told by intelligent persons, that, 
after his recovery, his zeal and efforts in the cause 
of his divine Master, as well as his strong intellect, 
seemed to have been greatly increased in energy by 
his temporary insanity. His sermons were well pre- 
pared, forcible, and persuasive ; and were delivered 
with a power and eloquence peculiarly his own. His 
public as well as his private life, "^as pure and un- 
exceptionable. He lived on the farm recently occu- 
pied by Mr. Byers, which is a couple of miles from 
the church. In 1799, the year in which his pastoral 
relation had been dissolved, this good man gave up 
his spirit to his Creator, and entered upon the reward 
which, through divine grace, his long life zealously 
spent in the cause of Religion, so well prepared him 
to enjoy. 

After the existence of a vacancy in the congrega- 
tion for about one year, — Mr. Francis Herron, now 
the Rev. Dr. Herron, was elected to preside over the 
spiritual interests of the flock. He was ordained 
and installed April 9th, 1800, on which occasion '' Dr. 
King preached a sermon from Matt. v. 14, and Mr. 
Linn presided, and gave a charge." Dr. H. con- 
tinued faithfully to discharge the duties of his station 
for about ten years, at the expiration of which time he 
was chosen the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church 



ROCKY SPRING CHURCH. 213 

in the city of Pittsburg. He continued to fill this 
station, with great credit to himself and benefit to his 
people, until about one year since, when, in conse- 
quence of advanced age, he resigned the charge, after 
having carefully watched over its welfare for about 
forty years. Dr. Herron's ministerial connexion 
with the Church at Rocky Spring was eminently 
successful, and through his zealous efi'orts, he added 
many converts to its numbers. Dr. H. ranks among 
the first ministers in the Church, as a pious and 
faithful shepherd, an accomplished scholar, an able 
and convincing preacher, and above all, as an 
humble and conscientious follower of the Lord Jesus 
Christ. 

When Dr. Herron resigned his place at Rocky 
Spring, it was supplied by the Rev. John M'Knight, 
D.D., who ministered to the people for several 
years. The relation existing between him and the 
congregation was interrupted by an invitation to 
preside over Dickinson College, when the presi- 
dency of that Institution was made vacant by the 
death of its incumbent. The Doctor was well 
known to our older citizens, as he resided in Cham- 
bersburg ; and for us to speak of his many vir- 
tues, his talents, his fervour in discharging the du- 
ties of his divine mission, would be a work of superero- 
gation. He lived a useful and holy life, and at an 
advanced age was called to his reward. His death 
occurred in 1823, and his ashes now repose beneath 
a handsome monument in the lovely cemetery at- 



214 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

tached to the Presbyterian Church in Chambers- 
burg. 

The vacancy occasioned by the removal of Dr. 
M'K., was supplied by his son, the Rev. Dr. John 
M'Knight, for many years a resident of our toAvn. 
The labours of this gentleman were abundantly suc- 
cessful : and all the members of the church yet living, 
will testify to the able and affectionate manner in 
which he discharged the duty imposed upon him. 
Mr. M'K., after preaching at Rocky Spring for 
several years, removed to Philadelphia, where he is 
yet engaged in the ministry, in connexion with the 
New School Presbyterian Church. His successor is 
the Rev. A. K. Nelson. Mr. N. accepted the call 
from " Campbellstown and Rocky Spring," in 1840, 
with the understanding that the half of his time was 
to be given to each of these congregations ; but he 
has, for some years, at least, been preaching also occa- 
sionally on the Sabbath at Strasburg, where many of 
his charge reside. — These are all the ministers, who 
have been regularly ordained to preach in this ancient 
temple of the Lord. 

In latter days the congregation is gradually de- 
creasing, and seems to be in a fairway soon to become 
entirely extinct. We learn this fact with much regret, 
and feel pained that the hallowed spot, around which so 
many endearing recollections cling, should cease to 
occupy a place among churches, or at least, should 
fall into other hands than those of the same denomi- 
nation, who worshipped in it for more than a century. 



ROCKY SPRING CHURCH. 215 

At the time of its erection, it was attended by a few 
of the early settlers only, some of whom had come 
from the mother country to seek a home in the new 
world, where they might enjoy, unmolested, their 
cherished religious opinions. As the country became 
more thickly settled, the congregation also became 
large, and occupied an important position among the 
churches in the Cumberland Valley. People resorted 
to Rocky Spring, from Loudon, Mercersburg, Green- 
castle, Chambersburg, Culbertson's Row, Greenvil- 
lage, Roxbury, Orrstown, Strasburg, and from the 
whole valley along the mountain foot, extending nearly 
to Shippensburg. When there chanced to be no 
preaching at Middle Spring, the people of that con- 
gregation were accustomed to worship here. 

But the original settlers have long since died, and 
their descendants,' to a considerable extent, have 
moved to other regions ; and persons from other places 
(particularly Germans) have taken their places. 
These, generally, belong to other denominations, and 
have deserted this ancient temple of the Most High. 
Then, again, other churches have sprung up in the 
neighbouring towns, and many of those who formerly 
attended at Rocky Spring, can now enter the sanc- 
tuary nearer their homes, without the inconvenience 
of riding several miles, as was formerly necessary. 
All these circumstances have conspired to diminish 
the congregation, and its doom seems inevitable. 
Services, we are told, are only held about once 
in four weeks, and we very much fear, that before 



216 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

very long, the interval will be indefinitely pro- 
longed. 

Patriotism has ever been a predominant feature in 
the character of the Presbyterians in the Cumberland 
Valley. It pervaded especially the old congregation 
of Rocky Spring ; and when their bleeding country 
called for the services of her sons, none were more 
ready than they to respond to the call, and freely 
offer themselves, if need be, upon the altars of Free- 
dom. Many of the people, as we have shown, 
marched with their minister ; others had participated 
in the war previously, some of whom sealed their de- 
votion to their country with their lives, on the battle- 
field. In 1774, a meeting of the Presbyterian 
Church was convened at Carlisle, in Cumberland 
County, of which our county then formed a part, and 
passed a series of patriotic resolutions, expressing 
their sympathy with the cause of oppressed America ; 
and in the name of the Lord of Hosts, declaring their 
willingness to participate in the dangers of the strug- 
gle, whenever the government might demand their ser- 
vices. Considering the near connexion existing be- 
tween the inhabitants of the two counties at that 
period, and the fact that the assembly was formed by 
the Presbyterians of the Cumberland Valley, it will 
readily be conceived that our churches acted a pro- 
minent part in making these patriotic declarations. 
Patriotism then pervaded all classes, from the minister 
down to the humblest member of his flock, and was 
something more than that wild, roving spirit of ad- 



ROCKY SPRING CHURCH. 217 

venture, ^Yhich so often prompts men, particularly in 
these latter clays), to engage in warfare ; it was a 
higher and nobler feeling — a principle of resistance 
to oppression, and a firm, unconquerable desire to 
establish the liberty of America, and secondarily, that 
of the whole world. 

We may here also add, that this steadfast and 
self-sacrificing devotion to their country, was emi- 
nently characteristic of the Presbyterian ministry 
and membership, as a body, throughout the land, 
during the Revolution. 

"That man," it has been remarked, with truthful- 
ness that history attests,* " will go on a desperate 
adventure, who shall proceed to hunt out the Presby- 
terian tories of that day. Our ministers were Whigs, 
patriots, haters of tyranny, known abettors of the 
very earliest resistance, and often soldiers in the 
field. It was not they, nor any of them, who acted 
as guides for invading generals, or who wrote pas- 
quinades for New York Journals, or who insulted 
Washington by scurrile letters. On these points we 
ask no better task than that of printing a few docu- 
ments, when the truths suggested shall be denied. 
The name of a Presbyterian Whig stank in the nos- 
trils of truckling courtiers, renegade Scots, and non- 
juring semi-papists, as much in the Colonies as at 
home ; and the revolutionary struggle was carried on, 

* Review of "Davidson's Presbyterian Churcli in Kentucky," 
Princeton Repertory, October, 1847. 

19 



218 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

in a large part of the Middle and Southern States, 
by the sinew, sweat, and blood, of Presbyterians." 

We have thus, hurriedly, given a general sketch of 
the venerable and romantic spot long known as Rocky 
Spring. The neglected condition, and general decay- 
ing appearance of the church, portend a speedy ruin. 
A few short years will only have elapsed, before the 
stranger will stand by the tottering walls on the 
hilltop, and sadly meditate upon the past history of 
the sacred pile. Then the descendants of the old 
congregation will have gone, and no one will be able 
to recount the many stirring events connected with 
it in former years, or reverentially commemorate its 
departing glory. 



219 



CHAPTER XI. 



PATH VALLEY CHURCHES. 



At an early day in the history of Pennsylvania, 
the people were forbidden by laws, " repeatedly sig- 
nified by proclamations," to take possession of the 
lands beyond the Kittochtinny Mountains, not pur- 
chased of the Indians. This prohibition was grounded 
in a fear, on the part of the existing authorities, that 
if such a course should be pursued, " a breach might 
ensue between the Six Nations of Indians and this 
Province." Notwithstanding this precautionary enact- 
ment, however, the wave of emigration soon rolled 
beyond the limit designated for the residence of the 
daring pioneers. Neither the prospect of peril, nor 
the apprehension of the privations and toils incident 
to a settlement in the wilderness, could repress the 
adventurous spirit which swelled their bosoms, or 
restrain them from the occupancy of the vast and 
inviting tracts of land, which spread out beyond the 
Blue Mountains. 

The following extract from a letter, dated July 2d, 



220 CHURCHES of the valley. 

1750, from Richard Peters, who had received orders 
from Governor Hamilton, to give information to the 
proper magistrates, against all such as had presumed 
to violate the law which he had published by procla- 
mation, and to bring them to a legal conviction, will 
shed some light upon this subject, in regard to Path 
Valley : 

" On Wednesday, the 30th of May, the magistrates 
and company, being detained two days by rain, pro- 
ceeded over the Kittochtinny Mountains, and entered 
into the Tuscara Path, or Path Valley, through which 
the road to Alleghany lies. Many settlements were 
formed in this valley, and all the people were sent 
for, and the following persons appeared, viz. : Abra- 
ham Slack, James Blair, Moses Moore, Arthur Dun- 
lap, Alexander McCartie, Felix Doyle, Andrew Dun- 
lap, Robert Wilson, Jacob Pyatt, Jacob Pyatt, Jr., 
William Ramage, Reynold Alexander, Samuel Pat- 
terson, Robert Baker, John Armstrong, and John 
Potts, who were all convicted by their own confession 
to the magistrates, of the like trespasses with those 
at Shearman's Creek, and were bound in the like 
recognizances to appear at court, and bonds to the 
proprietaries, to remove with all their families, ser- 
vants, cattle, and effects, and having all voluntarily 
given possession of their houses to me, some ordinary 
log houses, to the number of eleven, were burnt to 
the ground ; the trespassers, most of them cheerfully, 
and a very few of them with reluctance, carrying out 



PATH VALLEY CHURCHES. 221 

all their goods. Some had deserted before, and lay 
waste." 

It is not possible, of course, to justify the conduct 
of these primitive settlers in this portion of Franklin 
County, in taking possession of it contrary to law, 
yet much apology is found for them in the circum- 
stances of the country at the time, and in their wil- 
lingness to risk any conflict into which they might 
thus be brought, with the aboriginal inhabitants. It 
is also gratifying to know, that they promptly and 
peaceably submitted to the requirements of the law, 
as carried into efi'ect by the officers of government. 

The first preaching by a Presbyterian minister, 
among the almost exclusively Irish or Scotch-Irish 
population of this region, of which we have any know- 
ledge, was in 1767. In that year "verbal applica- 
tions in behalf of a few in Path Valley," were made 
to Presbytery. The appointment, under this request, 
was given to the Rev. Hobert Cooper, who was direct- 
ed to preach to that people a Sabbath, "at discretion." 
After this, supplies were occasionally sent to that re- 
gion, and not without success, as would appear from 
the fact, that in 1769, " application was made by a 
commissioner, for the Presbytery to endeavour to ac- 
commodate some diiFerences subsisting among the 
congregation, concerning the situation of their meet- 
ing-house or meeting-houses." 

- The people, as we learn from the Presbyterial re- 
cords, were divided into two parties. One party in- 
sisted for a meeting-house near James Montgomery's, 

19* 



222 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

where they had found a warrant for a piece of ground, 
for the sole purpose of a meeting-house and grave- 
yard, and where they had ah^eady put up logs for a 
place of w^orship. The other party insisted for two 
meeting-houses, and that neither of them should be 
at James Montgomery's ; or, if one house only should 
be allowed, that it should be placed lower down, so 
as to be near the centre of the congregation. To 
harmonize these conflicting views and feelings, Pres- 
bytery appointed a committee of five Ministers and 
five Elders. This committee, however, after hearing 
the statements of commissioners from each of the par- 
ties, were not able to adjust the existing difficulty, as 
is evident from the following minute of their proceed- 
ings : 

" The committee, finding that the majority of the 
people are for the house which is begun at James 
Montgomery's, and that they had never applied to the 
Presbytery to interpose in this matter, nor are now 
willing to leave it to the decision of this committee, 
judge that they can not proceed to do anything in 
this matter, except by way of advice, which was done 
by the Moderator." 

In the year 1T73, the congregations of " Upper 
Tuscarora" and "Path Valley," which were united 
as a charge, placed themselves under the pastoral 
care of the Reverend Samuel Dougall. In 1779, Mr. 
Dougall resigned his relation to the former of these, 
congregations, and the other applied for, and obtained, 
the whole of his labours, " promising to contribute 



PATH VALLEY CHURCHES. 223 

and pay annually to him, the sum of XlOO, and the 
quantity of one hundred bushels of wheat, during the 
present circumstances of the times." Mr. Dougall 
departed this life, October 4th, 1790. 

After this event, the Rev. David Denny was 
called to the Upper and Lower Churches of Path Val- 
ley, and continued to serve them in the Gospel, from 
1793 until 1800, when he accepted the pastorate of 
the Church at Chambersburg. 

Mr. Denny was succeeded by the Rev. Amos A. 
M'Ginley, a native of Adams County, Pennsylvania, 
who became pastor of the congregations in 1802, and 
continued to be so until April, 1851, when he resigned 
his charge, though he officiated as their stated sup- 
ply till October following. The Rev. William A. 
Graham is now the pastor of the Upper Church of 
Path Valley, and the Rev. L. W. Williams is the 
pastor of the Lower Church, in connexion with the 
Church of the " Burnt Cabins," which is a colony from 
the Lower Church. 

Dr. M'Ginley, though he has retired, by reason of 
the infirmities of old age, from the active duties of 
the ministry, still lives in the midst of the people 
whom he has long and faithfully served, and is uni- 
versally beloved. For nearly fifty years, has he pro- 
claimed the glorious Gospel of the blessed God to the 
same community, and now at length, he has, under the 
burden of advanced years, forsaken his pulpit, that 
others may occupy it, and hold up, as he has done, 
Jesus crucified, as the hope of a guilty and perishing 



224 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

world. Thus we pass away ; thus the day for activity 
in God's service hastens to its close ; — and never per- 
haps is a sense of this rapid transientness orfugacity 
of life more vividly flashed upon the soul, than when 
turning over the records of an ecclesiastical body, we 
read, in almost the same book, of the licensure of a 
man in all the vigour of youth, to fight the battles of 
the Lord, and then, of permission given him as a 
veteran tottering with age, to lay down the weapons 
of his warfare. Certain it is, however, that if there 
is any vocation in which old age has nothing to be 
dreaded or deplored, it is that of serving God in the 
ministry of reconciliation. The life of a man invested 
with this high office, may have been spent in compa- 
rative quietness. It may, too, have presented but 
little to the world, to interest or attract. Yet has 
that man's life been devoted to the highest and holiest 
purposes. He has been striving to stem the current 
of human corruption ; he has been labouring for God ; 
he has been endeavouring to elevate and heal fallen 
and diseased humanity ; he has been casting the seeds 
of life into a dying world ; he has been battling for 
the right and the true against enemies seen and invisi- 
ble ; he has been watching for souls, — 

'*For souls, which must for ever live — 
In raptures, or in woe," — 

and therefore, in his case emphatically, "the hoary 
head found in the way of righteousness is a crown of 
glory." How worthless, oh, how hollow and vain, do 



PATH VALLEY CHURCHES. 225 

the honours lavished by the world upon the conquer- 
ing hero, seem, in comparison with those to which he 
is entitled as an ambassador for Christ, and which he 
shall receive and enjoy, when earth with all its pseans 
and plaudits shall have for ever passed away ! 

Toward the close of such a life Doctor M'Ginley 
has now far advanced. He has reached the seventy- 
fifth year. A long shadow stretches before him on 
the plain. All the days of his appointed time is he 
waiting until his change come. For a period longer 
than many are permitted to live, he has been enabled 
by grace, to exhibit to the world a happy exemplifica- 
tion of the wisdom from above, which " is first pure, 
then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full 
of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and 
without hypocrisy," and to preach the word with ten- 
derness, and ability, and cheering success ; and when 
the time of his departure shall come, we doubt not 
that he will enter heaven, to meet with many there, 
who, though casting their crowns at the Saviour's 
feet, will not forget the Saviour's instrument for their 
conversion. " For what is our hope, or joy, or crown 
of rejoicing ? Are not even ye in the presence of our 
Lord Jesus Christ at his coming ? For ye are our 
glory and joy." 

The following statenient, which has been furnished 
by Dr. M'Ginley, will be read with interest, espe- 
cially by those living, or who have lived, within the 
limits of his recent field of labour. 

" I can give no information with regard to the 



226 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

prosperity of these churches, before A. D., 1802. 
During the time intervening between 1802 and 1831, 
there was a regular yearly increase of members. In 
1831 there was an addition to the communion of 127 
members ; and, in the year following, sixty members 
were added. Those who were, at one time, in com- 
munion with us, are numerously scattered over the 
western country, from Pittsburg to New Orleans. 
Two western churches, which are now comparatively 
flourishing, never would have been organized, had it 
not been for the number and influence of our people 
who emigrated thither. 

"By removal to the West, we lost in one year, 
thirty-five communicating members, and five were 
removed by death the same year. Notwithstanding 
our severe losses, we have nearly as many members 
now as we ever had. 

" In the Lower Church, John Cunningham, Robert 
Walker, Francis Elliott, Samuel Walker, and Archi- 
bald Elliott, were the first elders of whom I can gain 
any information. Since their decease the followin-g 
persons have been elders in the Lower Church : — 
David Walker, William Maclay, Paul Geddes, John 
Campbell, James Walker, and Joseph Brown, all of 
whom are now dead. The elders now living, and in 
connexion either with the Lower Church, or the 
Burnt Cabins' Church, are Alexander Walker, 
George Elliott, William Elliott, James Campbell, 
James Cree, Sen., James Cree, Jr., William Camp- 
bell, and Daniel Brown. 



PATH VALLEY CHURCHES. 227 

" The elders who have been in the Upper Church 
since 1808, were James Alexander, William Alex- 
ander, John Elder, John Holliday, Andrew Morrow, 
David Riddle, Stephen Skinner, James McCurdy, 
Sen., and James McCurdj, Jr., all of whom are 
dead. Those now acting as elders in the Upper 
Church, are James Dougall, John Alexander, James 
Stark, Jacob Shearer, Peter Shearer, John W. Still, 
William A. Mackey, William Herron, and James 
McCurdj. The Trustees are James McCartney, 
John Alexander, and Stephen M. Skinner. 

" The oldest elders in the Upper Church, whose 
names have been handed down to us, are John Hol- 
liday, James Ardery, David Elder, Samuel Mains, 
and Richard Morrow." 



228 



CHAPTER XII. 



DICKINSON CHUKCH. 



"In rival haste, the wished-for temples rise! 
I hear their Sabbath-bells' harmonious chime 
Float on the breeze — the heavenliest of all sounds, 
That hill or vale prolongs or multiplies!" 

Wordsworth. 



As the population of Cumberland Valley rapidly 
increased, at the beginning of the present century, 
there was necessity for additional churches. Villages 
springing up in various directions, and numerous 
families settling around them, a house was required 
in the several localities, in which the people could 
conveniently assemble for public worship, and espe- 
cially such as had not means of conveyance to a dis- 
tant point. Nor was there, at that time, any objec- 
tion, that could legitimately be urged against yielding 
to such a demand, inasmuch as that region was then 
constantly receiving accessions to its numbers from 
abroad, instead of sending out, as it has done for the 
last score of years, family after family, and some- 
times colonies, to the distant West. It was, it would 



DICKINSON CHURCH. 229 

seem, in part, at least, under the force of such a 
necessity, that the church in Dickinson Township, 
Cumberland County, came into existence. 

The first notice of this congregation by Presby- 
tery, is to be found in their records for the year 
1810, and is as follows : — 

" An application was made, subscribed by James 
Moore and Joseph Galbraith, in behalf of a number 
of persons, calling themselves the Presbyterian Con- 
gregation of Walnut Bottom, in the County of Cum- 
berland, that the Rev. Henry R. Wilson should be 
appointed to supply them, any portion of time which 
he may be able and willing to give them. Presby- 
tery thought proper to comply with their request." 
Mr. Wilson preached to this people a part of the 
time during his connexion with Dickinson College as 
Professor of Languages, and, we believe, until he 
accepted the call given to him from Silvers' Spring. 

It was not, however, until 1823, that a congrega- 
tion was organized in Dickinson Township. At that 
time an application, for this purpose, was made to 
Presbytery, by a number of persons residing near 
the "Stone Meeting-House;" and it was resolved 
that their request be granted. The Rev. Messrs. 
Williams, Duffield, and McClelland, carried this reso- 
lution into effect; and the congregation organized 
was reported by them as, " The Congregation of 
Dickinson." 

There was no regular public worship among this 
people, until July, 1826, when Mr. McKnight Wil- 

20 



230 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

liamson, a Licentiate of the Presbytery of Carlisle, 
consented to act as a missionary within their bounds, 
one-half of his time, for the term of nine months. 
At the expiration of that time, Mr. W. was unani- 
mously elected pastor of the congregation. The call 
given him he accepted, and he continued to labour 
successfully in this field until October, 1834 ; when, 
at his own request, he was dismissed, to connect him- 
self with the Presbytery of Huntingdon. 

Just one year after Mr. Williamson's resignation, 
the congregation, through Presbytery, presented a 
call to the Rev. Charles P. Cummins, which was ac- 
cepted. Mr. Cummins faithfully discharged the 
duties of the pastoral relation, until April, 1844, 
when he relinquished his post, and was dismissed by 
Presbytery to connect himself with the Presbytery of 
Iowa. 

Mr. Cummins's successor was the Rev. Oliver 0. 
McClean, who was installed as pastor of the congre- 
gation, November 4th, 1844, and is still labouring 
among his attached people with gratifying tokens of 
the divine favour. 

At the organization of Dickinson Church, John 
Ross and Samuel Woods were the only ruling elders. 

At the close of Mr. Williamson's labours as pastor, 
the Session consisted of Samuel Woods, John Ross, 
William Woods, Jr., George Davidson, and David W. 
McCulloch. 

At the time of Mr. Cummins's resignation, the act- 



DICKINSON CHURCH. 231 

ing elders were, William Woods, Jr., Robert Donald- 
son, William G. Davidson, and Lewis H. Williams. 

The Session, as at present constituted, consists of 
William Woods, Jr., Robert Donaldson, William G. 
Davidson, William Mateer, and John T. Green. 

When the church at Dickinson was organized, there 
were not, as far as can be ascertained, more than 
from seventeen to twenty members in full communion. 
The number at present is one hundred and sixty. 
The temporal condition of the church is prosperous. 
There is no debt resting on the people. The pastor 
receives a salary of six hundred dollars. The Board 
of Foreign and Domestic Missions and the Board of 
Education, have each separate and distinct appropria- 
tions made, in aid of them, annually. Other benevo- 
lent enterprises, of an incidental character, are regard- 
ed with a spirit of liberality. There are two Sabbath 
schools in the congregation in a flourishing condition. 

At the first stated administration of the word and 
ordinances among them, the congregation worshipped 
alternately in the stone church belonging to the Co- 
venanters, and in the log church of the German 
Reformed and Lutheran Congregations, both of which 
are in Dickinson Township. The building in which 
they now worship was erected in 1829, at an expense 
of nearly two thousand dollars, and stands on a slight 
eminence, at the point where the road leading from 
Mount Rock to Spring Mills crosses the Walnut Bot- 
tom Road, eight miles west of Carlisle. The lot of 
ground on which it is erected, was given for the purpose 



232 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

by William L. Weakley, Esq. The situation is in all 
respects a beautiful one. The building, which is of 
brick, is 45 by 56 feet, and is capable of accom- 
modating with its seventy pews, five hundred persons. 
Its interior is neatly and comfortably finished, and 
does credit to the taste and liberality of the congre- 
gation. 



233 



CHAPTER XIII. 

4 

THE CHURCH AT CARLISLE. 

About the year 1736, the Presbyterians erected a 
log church on the Conodoguinett Creek, about two 
miles north of Carlisle, or West Pennsborough, as it 
was then called, at a place known ever since as the 
"Meeting-House Spring." No vestige of this build- 
ing now remains, nor are there any of the oldest sur- 
viving residents of the neighbourhood, who are able 
to give anything like a satisfactory account of it. 
The members of the large congregation which wor- 
shipped within its walls, have all long ago disappeared, 
and with them the memory of the venerable edifice 
and the interesting incidents which were doubtless 
associated with its history, have well-nigh perished. 

The first pastor of this church was the Rev. 
Samuel Thompson, from Ireland. Mr. Thompson was 
ordained and installed November 14th^ 1739. Of 
this there is the following notice taken on the minutes 
of a meeting of Presbytery, of that date, at " Penns- 
boro." 

"Mr. Anderson at the meeting-house door gave 

20* 



234 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

public advertisement that if any could advance any 
lawful objection against Mr. Samuel Thompson being 
set apart to the work of the holy ministry to both 
societies in this place, and no objection appearing, 
Mr. Craighead delivered a sermon from Ezekiel xxxiii. 
6, and presided in the work of ordination. Accord- 
ingly, Mr. Samuel Thompson was set apart to the 
work of the sacred ministry by the imposition of 
hands." 

It is probable, however, though Mr. Thompson 
was the first settled pastor at " Pennsborough," that 
the Rev. Messrs. Craighead and Caven laboured there 
for some time previously, in the character of stated 
supplies. This, at least, seems to be indicated by 
this record, made at the meeting of Presbytery just 
referred to : 

" It being inquired whether the upper settlement 
of Pennsborough had paid the arrears due by them to 
the estate of the deceased Mr. Craighead, Daniel 
Williams appeared and publicly engaged to pay said 
arrears speedily, viz. : the sum of ^5 6s. 8d. Said 
Daniel Williams likewise agreed to pay the arrears 
due by said society to Mr. Caven." 

Mr. Thompson resigned his pastoral relation in 
1748. To this step he was led " by several reasons, 
but chiefly by the fact, that he doubted he could not 
be farther useful in this congregation." He had 
withdrawn from Lower Pennsboro' in 1744. After 
his release from this charge, he settled at "Great 
Conawago," where he remained until the infirmities 



THE CHURCH AT CARLISLE. 235 

of age disqualified him for the active duties of the 
ministerial office. His son, the Rev. William Thomp- 
son, was an itinerant missionary, as late as 1766, for 
several years, in the counties of York and Cumber- 
land, after these counties were founded, under the 
direction of the " Society for the Propagation of the 
Gospel in Foreign Parts." 

Before taking leave of the Old Log Church, on 
the bank of the creek, it may be well to state that 
the congregation that worshipped in it, had some dif- 
ficulty with the people of Hopewell, about the erec- 
tion of a meeting-house at Great Spring. This the 
following extracts from the Presbyterial Records will 
serve to show. 

"Aug. 31, 1737.— Mr. Black reports that he sup- 
plied at Pensborrow, and convened the people and 
those of Hopewell on the Monday following, and 
heard them confer about the meeting-house proposed 
to be built at the Great Spring ; but the parties did 
not agree about the same." 

" 16th Nov., 1737.— The affair of perambulation 
being taken into consideration, and after much dis- 
course upon it, the Presbytery agree to defer a fur- 
ther consideration of said affaire until Spring ; the 
report made by the perambulators is, that, in their 
judgment, the distance between Pennsborough Meet- 
ing-House and that at the Great Spring, is 8 miles, 
and that another road is found to be 12 miles." 



236 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

Shortly after Carlisle was laid out, a Presbyterian 
congregation was organized in it, and a church was 
built. In relation to this latter movement, John 
Armstrong wrote to Richard Peters as follows : — 

" Carlisle, 30 June, 1757. 
" To-morrow we begin to haul stones for the build- 
ing of a meeting-house, on the north side of the 
square; — there was no other convenient place. I 
have avoided the place you once pitched for a church. 
The stones are raised out of Col. Stanwix's entrench- 
ments : we will want help in this political as well as 
religious work." 

^' About the year 1760, a license was obtained 
from Governor Hamilton, authorizing the congrega- 
tion to raise by lottery, 'a small sum of money to 
enable them to build a decent house for the worship 
of God;' and, in 1766, the ministers and others peti- 
tioned the Assembly, for the passage of an act to 
compel the 'managers to settle,' and the 'adven- 
turers to pay,' the settlement of the lottery having 
been for a ' considerable time deferred,' by reason of 
the ' confusion occasioned by the Indian wars.' The 
act prayed for was passed." It is unnecessary for 
us, perhaps, here to state, that the method of raising 
money by lottery, for church purposes or any other, 
was not at that time regarded as it is now. 

In the year 1759, the Rev. George Duffield was 
called to the congregations of Carlisle and Big 



THE CHURCH AT CARLISLE. 237 

Spring, and installed as their pastor, with the un- 
derstanding that two-thirds of his labours were to be 
given to the former. Two years after his settlement, 
an effort was made by the people of Big Spring, to 
obtain one-half of Mr. Duffield's time, but this effort 
was not successful, because the Carlisle congregation 
were unwilling to agree to such an arrangement, and 
because Presbytery apprehended that Mr. Duffield's 
constitution would not be able to endure, any length 
of time, the fatigue of being the one-half of his time 
at Big Spring. 

As we find in the Records of Presbytery, of April 
16th, 1T60, a resolution to " meet the third Tuesday 
of October, at Mr. Steel's meeting-house in Carlisle," 
there would seem to have been two Presbyterian 
Churches at that time in this borough. There were, 
at least, two congregations, which had a separate 
existence, in virtue of the division of the church, 
which then prevailed throughout the Synod.* On 
this subject, Mr. Rupp, in his History of Cumberland 
County, says: "A short time afterwards (1761), the 
congregation in the country, then under the care of 
the Rev. Mr. Steel, constructed a two-story house of 
worship in town ; and, some time before the Revolu- 
tion, erected the present First Presbyterian Church, 
on the northwest corner of the centre square. Mr. 
Duffield's congregation erected a gallery in Mr. 
Steel's church, and the two parties worshipped sepa- 
rately." 

* See Appendix III. 



238 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

In the year 1764, Carlisle and East Pennsborough 
congregations agreed to unite, and to enjoy each an 
equal proportion of the Rev. John Steel's labours.* 

After the removal of Mr. Duffield to Philadelphia, 
and the death of Mr. Steel, the two congregations, 
which had been known as the ^' Old Lights" and 
"New Lights," united, and called, in 1785, the Rev. 
Robert Davidson. The following year, the congre- 
gation thus united was incorporated. Dr. Davidson 
was removed by death, December 13th, 1812. In 
Connexion with him, and as his colleague, the Rev. 
Henry R. Wilson preached some time to the con- 
gregation, whilst professor in Dickinson College. 

In 1816, the Rev. George Duffield, a licentiate of 
the Philadelphia Presbytery, was called to be pastor 
of the congregation of Carlisle. Mr. Duffield's labours 
among this people were greatly blessed for a number 
of years. In 1832, a book was published by him, 
which was entitled "Duffield on Regeneration," and 
which as the embodiment of some new views intro- 
duced by him into his pulpit, produced a distracted 
state of his congregation. We have not the space to 
give a minute statement of the proceedings of Presby- 
tery in relation to this book and its author. As, 
however, the case is interwoven with the history of 
Presbyterianism in Carlisle, we are warranted, at 
least, in presenting the following synoptical view 
of it. 

* See call given to Mr. S., Appendix II. 



THE CHURCH AT CARLISLE. 239 

At a meeting of Presbytery in June, 1832, a com- 
mittee, previously appointed to examine the above- 
mentioned book, submitted a report, in which they 
specified " a number of objectionable doctrines" which 
it contained, ^' doctrines in opposition to those con- 
tained in the Confession of Faith, and on subjects 
which are essential in the Gospel scheme of salva- 
tion."* 

The report concludes in this wise : 

"Finally, the committee would only add, that in 
many parts of the work the language is exceedingly 
obscure, or equivocal ; many theological terms and 
phrases, long in use and well understood, are set aside, 
and a new phraseology is introduced unnecessary, 
and often unintelligible to most readers ; which things 
are calculated greatly to embarrass and mislead even 
honest inquirers after truth, who are not accustomed 
to very elaborate investigation ; that although the 
work sometimes professes to set all philosophy aside, 
and to adhere simply to Scripture and to facts, yet 
does the author range through every department of 
natural science ; and it is evident his philosophy re- 
specting the nature of life, runs through the greater 
part of the work and gives character to it." 

The following resolutions were adopted by Presby- 
tery in regard to this report. "Kesolved, That we 
adopt the concluding part of the report, as expressive 
of our view of the whole matter of it. 

* These doctrines are included in the "charges" to be found 
on a subsequent page. 



240 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

" Resolved, That after deliberate consideration, hav- 
ing declared the foregoing doctrines contained in the 
book entitled ' Duffield on Regeneration,' as pre- 
sented in the report of the committee, to be erroneous, 
and contrary to the doctrines of the Bible and the 
standards of our Church, we do most solemnly and 
affectionately warn all our ministers, and elders, and 
people, to guard against such distracting and danger- 
ous errors, and this we feel constrained to (io, under a 
deep conviction of our responsiWlity to the great Head 
of the Church, to guard against everything which will 
corrupt the purity or disturb the peace of the Church." 

At a meeting of Presbytery in October of the same 
year, a committee was appointed to take into conside- 
ration the entire proceedings of Presbytery in regard 
to Mr. Duffield's book, in order to bring in, if possi- 
ble, some minute which might be satisfactory to all, 
and arrest further proceedings. The report of this 
committee not having been adopted, a committee was 
appointed at the next meeting of Presbytery, to pre- 
pare charges against the Rev. George Duffield, and 
report to Presbytery. 

We give the report of this committee, and the action 
of Presbytery in regard to it : — 

"After due deliberation on the several articles of 
the report of the committee in the case of the Rev. 
George Duffield, the Presbytery adopted them as 
relevant charges, and they are as follows : 

" The committee appointed to prepare charges of 
error, to be preferred against the Rev. George Duffield, 



THE CHURCH AT CARLISLE. 241 

are unanimously of opinion, that he may be fairly 
charged on the ground of 'common fame,' with 
maintaining and industriously propagating, both from 
the pulpit and through the press, the following doc- 
trines or opinions, either absurd in themselves, or 
directly at variance with some of the most important 
and vital doctrines and truths taught in the standards 
of the Presbyterian Church and the word of God, 
namely : — 

'' 1. That life consists in the regular series of rela- 
tive, appropriate, characteristic actions in an indi- 
vidual being, and that the life of God himself is not 
distinguishable from his own holy volitions and ac- 
tions. 

" 2. That the human soul equally with the body is 
derived from the parents by traduction or natural 
generation ; that the soul and body are alike deve- 
loped in their actions respectively, and the soul as 
created by God and brought into connexion with the 
body, whether in conception, quickening, or the first 
inspiration, is wholly destitute of all capacities wdiat- 
ever. 

" 3. That the image of God, in which man or Adam 
was originally created, principally consisted in a 
threefold life, with which he was endowed by his 
Maker, viz., vegetable^ animal, and spiritual life. 

" 4. That Adam was not the federal covenant head 

of the human race ; that he sust^iined no other relation 

to his posterity than that of a natural parent ; and 

that there did not exist anything which could pro- 

21 



242 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

perly be denominated a covenant relation between 
God and Adam, as the representative of his natural 
offspring. 

" 5. That Adam's sin is in no proper sense imputed 
to his posterity to their legal condemnation, and that 
the temporal or natural death of infants is the natural 
result or consequence of Adam's sin, solely by virtue 
of their connexion with him as a parent. 

" 6. That all holiness and sin consists exclusively in 
voluntary acts and exercises of the soul ; that there 
is no principle of holiness or sin inherent in the soul, 
which exerts any power or causal influence in produc- 
ing holy or sinful acts and exercises ; and that there 
is no innate, hereditary, derived depravity or cor- 
ruption in our nature. 

" 7. That no moral character can be appropriately 
predicated of, or possessed by infants ; that they are 
neither sinful nor holy, are not actually under the 
government of law, nor above the level of the mere 
animals ; and that even our Lord Jesus Christ, in his 
infant state, possessed no holiness of character, other 
than what might be affirmed of the Mosaic tabernacle 
or inmost chamber of the temple, and other consecrat- 
ed instruments of Jewish worship ; and that our first 
parents themselves were not created in a state of 
moral rectitude, that is, they possessed no holiness or 
moral character, anterior to, and independent of, their 
own volitions and exercises, or, in other words, they 
had no spiritual life till they acquired it by their own 
voluntary acts and exercises. 



THE CHURCH AT CARLISLE. 243 

" 8. That man in his fallen state is possessed of 
entire ability to repent, believe, and perform other 
holy exercises, independently of any new power or 
ability imparted to him by the regenerating or new- 
creating influences of the Holy Ghost, — consequently, 

'^ 9. That regeneration is essentially a voluntary 
change or act of the soul, is exclusively the effect of 
man's own unassisted powers and efforts, independently 
of any divine influence whatever, except what is of a 
mere objective moral kind, or, in other language, the 
moral suasion of the spirit, or the suasive influence of 
the truth, in connexion with an arrangement of provi- 
dential circumstances. 

^' 10. That by election, in the Sacred Scriptures, is 
meant nothing else than the actual selection of a cer- 
tain number from the great mass, by their being made 
the subjects of spiritual life, which is not possessed 
by the rest ; that it is the actual display of God's 
sovereignty in making believers alive from the dead, 
or quickening them (believers), from the death of 
trespasses and of sins, in which they (believers), with 
all mankind were lying." 

This report having been " considered and sus- 
tained" by Presbytery, they resolved to institute judi- 
cial process against Mr. Duffield, on the grounds of 
the specifications contained in it, and to cite him to 
appear before Presbytery at its next meeting, to an- 
swer the same. 

When Mr. Duffield appeared, in obedience to the 
citation issued, the prosecuting committee which had 



244 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

been appointed, having submitted to Presbytery all 
the testimony in support of the charges preferred 
against him, he was heard at some length in his de- 
fence, and then the vote " whether Mr. Duffield 
is guilty or not guilty," was taken, with the following 
result : — 

1st Charge, — guilty ; seven votes affirmative, four 
negative, six non liquet. 2d Charge, — guilty ; six 
affirmative, five negative, and seven non liquet. 3d 
Charge, — five affirmative and five negative ; not 
guilty, by the casting vote of the Moderator. 4th 
Charge, — guilty ; twelve affirmative, four negative, 
and two non liquet. 5th Charge, same vote. 6th 
Charge, same vote. 7th Charge, same vote. 8th 
Charge, same vote. 9th Charge, — guilty; ten af- 
firmative, four negative, and four non liquet. 10th 
Charge, — not guilty; two affirmative, nine negative, 
and seven non liquet. 

The trial being over, a motion was made to adopt 
the following minute as expressive of the sense of 
Presbytery in the case, and it was carried : 

"As to the counts in which Mr. Duffield has been 
found guilty, Presbytery judge, that Mr. Duffield's 
Book and Sermons on Regeneration do contain the 
specified errors : yet as Mr. Duffield alleges that 
Presbytery have misinterpreted some of his expres- 
sions, and says he does in fact hold all the doctrines 
of our standards, and that he wishes to live at amity 
with his brethren, and labour without interruption 
for the glory of God and the salvation of souls, there- 



THE CHURCH AT CARLISLE. 245 

fore. Resolved, that Presbytery, at present, do not 
censure him any further, than warn him to guard 
against such speculations as may impugn the doc- 
trines of our Church, and that he study to maintain 
' the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.' 

It is proper to add, that this decision was not ap- 
proved by Synod, as the annexed extract from the 
adopted report of Synod's committee to examine the 
Records of the Presbytery of Carlisle, will show : 

" The committee cannot recommend an approval of 
this decision; because it compromises essential truths, 
defeats the ends of discipline, and, under the circum- 
stances of the case, presents a result never contem- 
plated by our constitution, after a judicial conviction 
upon points involving material departures from the 
doctrines of our standards." 

In this brief statement of the trial of Mr. Duffield, 
we have omitted most of the interlocutory proceedings, 
such as protests, complaints, and exceptions, emana- 
ting from himself and those who sympathized with 
him, in relation to the alleged injustice and infor- 
mality of the action of Presbytery. This, however, 
we have felt constrained to do by a regard to the 
limitedness of our space. And this course we have 
been the less reluctant to pursue, as our avowed object 
is not to argue the case, or act as reporter of it, but 
merely to state in the most compendious way possible, 
what Presbytery did in relation to the book and its 
author, and what was the ground of their action. 

21* 



246 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

Contemporaneously with Dr. Duffield's difficulties in 
Presbytery, there existed also difficulties in the con- 
gregation of which he was pastor. The first intima- 
tion of these which we have in the Presbyterial records, 
is in "a memorial and a communication from part of 
the congregation of Carlisle, requesting Presbytery to 
redress certain grievances complained of in them." This 
was soon followed by a petition, which was presented 
by Mr. Andrew Blair, and signed by seventy-seven 
members of the congregation, praying to be set off 
and formed into a separate congregation. Presbytery 
having granted this prayer, "in view of the things 
now existing in that congregation and known to 
Presbytery," the Second Presbyterian Church of Car- 
lisle was organized, by a committee appointed for the 
purpose, in the town hall of that place, on the 12th 
January, 1833. Of this new congregation, Messrs. 
Andrew Blair, John M'Clure, and Robert Clark, 
were unanimously chosen elders, and Peter B. Smith, 
^ Robert Irvine, John Proctor, and Robert Giffin, 
deacons, — all of whom had been elders and deacons, 
respectively, in the old church. 

At a meeting of Presbytery in March, 1835, Dr. 
Duffield's pastoral relation with the First Church of 
Carlisle was, at his own request, dissolved, and he was 
regularly dismissed to connect himself with the Ge- 
neral Assembly's Second Presbytery of Philadelphia. 
For some time, the pulpit thus vacated was filled 
by supplies, among whom were the Rev. Mr. Granger, 



THE CHURCH AT CARLISLE. 247 

and the Rev. Mr. Burrowes, each of whom served for 
a number of months. 

In July, 1837, the Rev. W. T. Sprole, a member of 
the Classis of Philadelphia, in connexion with the 
German Reformed Church, was called to the pastorate 
of the First Church of Carlisle. It is not necessary to 
notice, in detail, the difficulties which sprang up be- 
tween the Session of this church and Presbytery, in 
connexion with the prosecution of this call, and sub- 
sequently, and therefore we only give the record of 
the final disposition of the case, as it is contained in 
the concluding part of the report of a committee of 
Presbytery, adopted April 13th, 1839. It is as fol- 
lows : 

" Therefore seeing that this Session has been twice 
duly cited to appear before the Presbytery, to answer 
for certain alleged improprieties and irregularities, to 
which citation they have not responded, nor have 
they in a single instance sent a representative to the 
Presbytery since our meeting at Newville, Oct. 3d, 
1837, although we have had no less than seven meet- 
ings of the Presbytery since that time, and the pre- 
sent meeting and a preceding one in the town of 
Carlisle: from every view which the Presbytery can 
take of this subject, the conduct of this Session ap- 
pears to us to have been disrespectful and rebellious 
against their authority. Therefore, Resolved, That 
the First Presbyterian Church of Carlisle be consider- 
ed no longer a constituent part of! this Presbytery, 
nor as belonging to the Presbyterian Church of the 



248 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

United States of America, and that its name be 
stricken from the Roll of Presbytery." 

The Rev. Daniel M'Kinley was installed as pastor 
of the Second Presbyterian Church of Carlisle, Aug. 
7th, 1833, and continued to be so until July, 1838, 
when, on his own application to Presbytery, the pas- 
toral relation was dissolved, that he might accept an 
invitation which he had received, to become an Agent 
for the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presby- 
terian Church. To this measure, the congregation, 
though warmly attached to Mr. M'Kinley, consented, 
under a sense of duty. 

Mr. M'Kinley was succeeded, in October of the 
same year, by the Rev. Alexander T. M'Gill. The 
following papers which relate to Mr. M' Gill's trans- 
fer to the Presbyterian Church, and which were laid 
before Presbytery, will be read with interest : 

"To THE Associate Presbytery of Philadelphia. 
" Rev. and dear Brethren, — 

" It is the duty of all believers, and especially mi- 
nisters of the Gospel, ' to prove all things,' not only 
before they make a solemn and particular profession 
of the faith, but afterwards and always till we cease 
to 'see through a glass darkly.' No process of 
time, nor investment of office, nor pressure of circum- 
stances, can exonerate from the obligation to ' search 
and see whether these things be so', so long as we 
are fallible. Perhaps I have erred in not searching 
more thoroughly when I first made a profession of the 



THE CHUECH AT CARLISLE. 249 

peculiarities of the Associate Church. But it is now 
mj painful situation to doubt the propriety and truth 
of such a profession. 1st. I cannot sustain the dis- 
cipline of our Church, which makes it censurable for 
any member to attend the preaching of the word in 
any Church that we acknowledge to be a Church of 
Christ. 2d. I cannot see a warrant for excluding 
from the Table of the Lord, all who are not in full 
standing in our own particular communion. I can- 
not see that communion in the ordinance of the Sup- 
per, should not be as free to believers, as the ordinance 
of preaching the word is to sinners. As all men have 
the privilege of hearing the word from us wherever 
we labour, so all believers should have the privilege 
of receiving at our hands the symbols of Christ's 
dying love. To define believers, we need only inquire, 
'Are they unblemished members of the Church to 
which they belong, and- is that Church, according 
to our admission, a Church of Christ V 3d. Although 
the Psalms of David should always be used in the 
worship of God, although they are doubtless in- 
tended for worship in New Testament, as well as Old 
Testament times, I cannot see that they were exclu- 
sively used in the days of Christ and his Apostles 
on earth. I believe that the warrant for singing 
praises to God comprehends human compositions, or 
the doctrines of the Gospel and the exercise of faith, 
couched in human language, as well as in the very 
words of a literal human version of the Scriptures. 
" These views. Brethren, have been gaining on my 



250 CHUKCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

conviction for the last two years. It would have 
injured the peace of the Church, and my own useful- 
ness, to have avowed them from time to time. Till 
now, I have concealed them wherever I have laboured, 
believing it wrong to broach anything contrary to 
our profession, while I remained in its connexion. 
But to pursue such a course any longer, is disinge- 
nuous, and ruinous to my own peace. I now, there- 
fore, frankly disclose to you my belief, where it 
varies from the peculiarity of our communion. Be- 
lieving that with such views, I would not be permitted 
to remain in connexion w^ith you, I respectfully ask 
you for a dismission to join the Presbytery of Car- 
lisle, in subordination to the General Assembly of 
the Presbyterian Church in the United States; or, if 
such dismission be not granted, I ask a certificate of 
my standing among you as a minister of Christ. 
" Yours, aJGfectionately, 

'^ In the bonds of the Gospel, 

"Alexander T. M'Gill. 

*' October 24th, 1888." 

"Whereas, the Rev. Alexander T. M'Gill has ap- 
peared before Presbytery, professing that he enter- 
tains doubts in regard to certain points of the public 
profession of the Associate Church, and has signified 
his intention to withdraw from the communion of this 
Church, and has to this end applied for a dismission ; 
therefore, 

"Resolved, That Mr. M'Gill be required to ac- 
knowledge his sin, and return to his duty. Further, 



THE CHURCH AT CARLISLE. 251 

" Resolved, That in default thereof, he be sus- 
pended from the exercise of the ministry and the 
communion of this Church. 

" A true extract from the minutes of the Associate 
Presbytery of Philadelphia. 

"Attest, John G. Smart, 

" Clerk, pro tem. 

" Mercersburg, October 24th, 1838." 

" To THE Moderator and Members of the 
Presbytery of Carlisle. 

" Rev. and dear Brethren, — 

"Believing that your confession embodies the doc- 
trines of the Gospel, and that your practice is scrip- 
tural, and more accordant with my own views than 
that of any other branch of the visible church, I re- 
spectfully ask admission to your communion, and to 
the exercise of the ministry among you. My stand- 
ing in the Associate (Presbyterian) Church was un- 
blemished. But on disclosing to them doubts re- 
specting sundry peculiarities in their public profes- 
sion, the Presbytery of Philadelphia immediately 
suspended me, 'from the exercise of the ministry 
and the communion of the Church.' A paper con- 
taining a true copy of my letter to that Presbytery, 
and a paper containing a true extract from the 
minutes of their proceedings thereon, are herewith 
laid before you. 

" Yours, with much respect and affection, 

" Alexander T. M'Gill." 



252 CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY. 

After these communications were read before Pres- 
bytery, the following action was taken : 

"Resolved, That the reasons' contained in the 
above-named papers, for which the Associate Pres- 
bytery suspended Mr. M'Gill, namely: 1. Occasional 
hearing ; 2. Catholic communion ; and 3, the rejec- 
tion of the exclusive use of Rouse's Psalms, are, in 
our opinion, insufficient grounds for any ecclesiastical 
censure, much less for suspension from the ministry 
of the Gospel ; and, therefore, the act of the Associate 
Presbytery, suspending Mr. M'Gill from the exercise 
of the functions of his ministerial office, forms no bar 
in our way to his reception as a member of this Pres- 
bytery." 

Mr. M'Gill was examined on his views of the doc- 
trines, government, and discipline of the Presbyte- 
rian Church, and his examination was sustained : 
after which the Moderator proposed to him the con- 
stitutional questions contained in the Confession of 
Faith, Form of Government, Chap. XY., which he 
answered in the affirmative : whereupon it was 

"Resolved, that Mr. M'Gill be received as a 
member of this Presbytery, and his name be entered 
upon our roll." 

Dr. M' Gill's pastoral relation to the Second 
Presbyterian Church of Carlisle, which was formed 
in April, 1839, continued until December, 1841, 
when, at the earnest solicitation of the President 
and Secretary of the Board of Directors of the 
Western Theological Seminary, at Allegheny City, 



THE CHURCH AT CARLISLE. 253 

it was dissolved, that he might occupy the chair of 
Ecclesiastical History in that Institution. He has 
since accepted a professorship in the Theological 
Seminary at Columbia, South Carolina. 

The Rev. T. V. Moore, a licentiate under the care 
of the Presbytery of West Jersey, was installed as 
Dr. M'Gill's successor at Carlisle, in the spring of 
1842, and continued to be so until his acceptance of 
a call from the congregation of Greencastle, in the 
autumn of the year 1845. 

After Mr. Moore's resignation, the Rev. James 
Lillie, of the Classis of Ulster, became pastor of the 
congregation, and served it for several years. The 
present pastor, the Rev. Mervin E. Johnston, was 
ordained and installed August 22d, 1849, and has 
since been favoured with gratifying evidence of the 
Divine blessing upon his labours. The Session, as 
now constituted, consists of Andrew Blair, Robert 
Clark, Samuel Hepburn, and Matthew Davidson. 
The church, which stands on the corner of South 
Hanover and Pomfret Streets, is a very neat and 
capacious building ; and the congregation, according 
to the last report made to Presbytery, numbers two 
hundred and eighty-five communicating members. 

It gives us great pleasure to add, that whilst the 

Second Presbyterian Congregation of Carlisle is in a 

flourishing condition, so likewise is that from which 

it seceded. Its esteemed pastor, the Rev. Mr. Wing, 

is cultivating, with success, the field in which God 

22 



254 CHURCHES OP THE VALLEY. 

has placed him. Equally pleased are we to record, 
that any asperity of feeling, with which the history 
of these dissociated churches may have been attended, 
has largely yielded, as it ought entirely to do, to the 
harmonizing spirit of the Gospel of their common 
Lord. 



SUPPLEMENT. 



SUPPLEMENT. 

PAXTON AND DERRY CHURCHES. 

Paxton Church is situated about three miles east 
of Harrisburg, and about one-fourth of a mile north 
of the Reading Turnpike. As this congregation is 
one of the oldest in the State, it doubtless had a 
house of worship before that which is now in use, 
but of this no knowledge can be derived, either from 
the recollections of the living, or the records of the 
dead. The Rev. A. D. Mitchell, the present pastor, 
in a letter in which he expresses his regret, that by 
reason of the loss of the records of the churches 
under his care, with the exception of those of compa- 
ratively recent date, he is unable to furnish more 
extensive and accurate information respecting them, 
says : — " When the present building was erected is 
not certainly known. From evidence that I have in 
my possession, I know that it has been standing for 
at least ninety-eight years. This is, perhaps, as 
near an approximation to the time of its erection, as 
can be made." 

''Derry," Mr. Mitchell adds, "is located about 

22* 



258 SUPPLEMENT. 

ten miles farther east, and but a short distance north 
of the turnpike leading from Harrisburg to Reading. 
The present building was erected about ninety years 
ago. The congregation, though at one time among 
the largest in the Presbytery, is now almost entirely 
broken up by emigration." 

We could not, perhaps, make our brief sketch of 
Paxton and Derry more interesting, than by present- 
ing, at some length, what is to be found concerning 
them, on the Presbyterial Records. 

" Oct. 11th, 1732.— This day appeared Geo. Re- 
nick, and others, from Paxton and Derry, requiring 
an answer to their call, given to the Rev. Mr. Ber- 
tram, at Philadelphia, where the Presbytery of New 
Castle met, producing their subscription for his sup- 
port ; whereupon the Presbytery asking Mr. Ber- 
tram if he had considered said call, and requiring 
his answer in relation thereunto, he declared his ac- 
ceptance thereof, and that he would take the people's 
subscriptions, without any other obligations for his 
support." 

"Nov. 15th, 1732.— The Presbytery order the 
congregations of Derry and Paxton to pay up the 
arrears due to Mr. Anderson. Mr. Bertram gave 
in a list of more nominations by the congregations 
of Paxton and Derry, to be set apart for Ruling 
Elders : the Presbytery appoints that they be again 
published, and intimation given that if any objection 
be made against any of them, that said objections 
shall be given in in due time." 



PAXTON AND DERRY CHURCHES. 259 

" The congregation of Paxton and Derry, -vvitli the 
concurrence of the Presbytery, appoints Thomas 
Foster, George Renick, William Kimingham, Thomas 
Mays, for Paxton side ; and, for the other side of 
the creek, Rowland Chambers, Hugh Black, Robert 
Campbell, John Wilson, William Wilson, James 
Quigly, William M'Cord, and Jon. Sloan, to take 
care that the subscriptions for Mr. Bertram's main- 
tenance be paid, and to collect the same until the 
congregation be better regulated." 

"Paxton, Aug. 28th, 1734.— A visitation having 
been appointed here, Mr. Bertram, after previous 
intimation to the congregation, preached upon 2 Cor. 
iv. 5, with approbation. It being interrogated whether 
Mr. Bertram had performed his duty as a Gospel 
minister, and the several branches thereof, and had 
a conduct and behaviour suitable to his station; it 
was answered by the representatives of both societies 
in the affirmative, to their great satisfaction and spi- 
ritual edification. The said representatives being 
asked about the elders in both societies, replied that 
they had no objection, nor much time to make trial 
of their behaviour, said elders being but lately in- 
vested with that office. It was likewise proposed 
whether any proper modes were taken to collect Mr. 
Bertram's salary : they answered that suitable modes 
were laid down, and they hoped would be duly pro- 
secuted. The elders of both societies being called 
in, were asked concerning the general behaviour of 
their minister in the congregation, and his particular 



260 SUPPLEMENT. 

conduct in managing sessional affairs ; they replied 
that his conduct was exemphiry and agreeable ; and, 
because of the late formation of the session, they had 
not opportunity of much experience that way. Mr. 
Bertram was called in, and asked whether the people 
had performed their duty to him in all the branches 
of it : he answered that he had no general com- 
plaints, but was not fully satisfied in reference to his 
house ; and, for the payment of his subscriptions, he 
had not computed his book accounts, but expected to 
be capable to give a particular account thereof against 
our next." 

" Oct. 7th, 1735.— Mr. Bertram and his elder re- 
presented to the Presbytery, that inasmuch as Mr. 
Bertram is under an intolerable burden of labour and 
fatigue, in the discharge of the work of the ministry 
to both parts of the congregation to which he stands 
related, it is their desire that some of the ministers 
might be appointed, at a convenient time, to go unto 
and convene the people of said congregation, and in- 
quire into their circumstances, as to their ability to 
be separated into two distinct congregations, and 
subsist by themselves, in order to Mr. Bertram's 
being eased of part of his burden, that he may be 
able, with more comfort, to go on in the discharge of 
his duty, unto whatever part of said people he shall 
be determined to continue with." 

"Nov. 18th, 1735. — A supplication was presented 
from the Session of the congregation of Derry, desir- 
ing that if they should be separated from Paxton, as 



PAXTON AND DERRY CHURCHES. 261 

a distinct congregation, their bounds may be fixed so 
as that they may be able to take steps for their being 
supplied." 

At this meeting of Presbytery, " Lazarus Stuart 
appeared to prosecute the supplication of Monada 
Creeh^ for a new erection." In answer to this sup- 
plication, Mr. Anderson, Andrew Galbraith, and one 
of the elders from Paxton — William Maxwell by 
name — were ordered to perambulate the bounds be- 
tween the people of Derry and those of Monada. 
This committee discharged the duty assigned them, 
and the Presbytery approved their judgment, viz. : 
" That the people of Monada be erected into a dis- 
tinct congregation, and that the place where now 
they have begun to build a house is the most commo- 
dious place for a meeting-house for that people." 

In 1736, in the prospect of Mr. Bertram's release 
from one part of his charge, the people of Paxton de- 
clared that they could aiford yearly for the support 
of their minister, .£60, one-half in money, the other 
half in hemp, flour, linen yarn or linen cloth, at mar- 
ket price. The people of Derry, likewise, promised 
the sum of £k)^, to be paid in like manner, and both 
societies engaged to allow their minister the benefit 
of overplus subscriptions. It was farther agreed to 
by the people of Monada and Derry, and ordered by 
the Presbytery, that those living upon the borders of 
those two congregations, that is, between the two 
meeting-houses, and beyond the creek of Swatara, 
should, on or before the first of the ensuing November, 



262 SUPPLEMENT. 

declare, in an orderly way, whether they would con- 
nect themselves with the congregation of Derry or 
Monada. 

About the same time, Mr. Bertram being asked by 
Presbytery which of the congregations, Paxton or 
Derry, he was w^illing to adhere to, expressed his de- 
sire to remain connected with Derry. Of the conti- 
nuance of this connexion Presbytery approved, and 
declared the congregation of Paxton vacant. This 
approval was accompanied with a recommendation to 
the people of Derry, " speedily to improve upon the 
glebe-land that was talked of, in order to make it 
inhabitable for Mr. Bertram, that his easement of 
travel may be obtained." 

In 1737, a supplication together with a call to 
the Rev. Mr. Sanckey, was presented by John Cun- 
ningham and Robert Grier, commissioners from the 
congregation of Hanover, by which said commission- 
ers were empowered to promise toward Mr. Sanckey's 
outward support, among that people, as their orderly 
pastor, the annual sum of sixty pounds, that is, one- 
half in cash and the other in particular commodities, 
as flax, hemp, linen yarn and cloth, together with seve- 
ral gratuities mentioned in said supplication. 

In 1738, Mr. Elder, of the Presbytery of New 
Castle, accepted a call, which was presented to him a 
second time, from the congregation of Paxton, with 
the promise for " a stipend," of X60 in money. His 
ordination took place in November of the same year, 
and was followed with an order of Presbytery, that 



PAXTON AND DERRY CHUECnES. 263 

" he and the Session take care, that none of those 
who are deficient, as to what they were to pay to Mr. 
Bertram, by note or otherwise, be admitted to any 
church privileges till they satisfy Mr. Bertram." 

At a meeting of Presbytery at Derry, December 
9th, 1741, " Mr. Bertram having given his reason 
for suing for a dismission from his congregation, viz. : 
bodily weakness and inability, the congregation an- 
swered by their representatives, Rowland Chambers 
and James Carothers, that they had enjoyed Mr. 
Bertram's labours when he was more able, and they 
were willing now to sympathize with him in his weak- 
ness, which so engaged Mr. Bertram to them, that he 
desisted from his suit at that time." 

In 1762, the Rev. Mr. M'Mordie received a call 
from Hanover, which he accepted, with " the promise 
of X80, for his temporal support, to be secured by 
bond." 

In 1764, on account of some difficulty which had 
arisen, several supplications from Hanover were 
brought into Presbytery and read, requesting a dis- 
mission for the petitioners, from the Rev. Robert 
M'Mordie's congregation, with liberty to join some 
neighbouring congregation under the care of Presby- 
tery, till their way should be clear to return and join 
Hanover congregation again. This request was not 
granted, so far as to dissolve the relation of member- 
ship, but the petitioners were allowed, for the time, to 
put themselves under the care of any neighbouring 
minister belonging to the Presbytery, so as to enjoy any 



264 SUPPLEMENT. 

privileges or administration of ordinances they should 
desire, until something farther should be done in said 
affair. 

Paxton and Derry, it would seem, were united to 
the congregation of Donegal in the year 1768, for in 
the Presbyterial Kecords of that date, reference is 
made to an authentic account produced by a commis- 
sioner for the congregations of Paxton, Derry, and 
Donegal, from which it appeared they were in arrears 
to the Rev. John Sloan, their pastor. 

The Rev. Mr. Woods received and accepted a call 
from Hanover congregation, in June, 1781. 

In 1787, the petition of a number of the inhabi- 
tants of Harrisburg and others in the township of Pax- 
ton, having been presented to Presbytery, in which 
they expressed a desire to be erected into a congre- 
gation, and to have the place of worship in that town, 
and this movement disturbing the peace and harmony 
which had existed between that people and Paxton 
congregation, a committee was appointed by Pres- 
bytery to visit that region, the result of whose inter* 
position to adjust the difficulty, was an agreement to 
the following articles by Mr. Elder, his congregation, 
and Harrisburg. 

1. The congregation shall have two stated places 
of public worship, the one where the Rev. Mr. Elder 
now officiates, the other in Harrisburg. 2. The Rev. 
John Elder shall continue to have and receive, during 
his life or incumbency, all the salary or stipends that 
he now enjoys, to be paid by his present subscribers. 



PAXTON AND DERBY CHURCHES. 265 

as he and they may agree, and continue his labours in 
Derry as usual. 3. For the present, the congregation 
may apply to the Presbytery for supplies, which, when 
obtained, the expenses shall be defrayed by those who 
do not now belong to Mr. Elder's congregation and 
such as may think proper to join with them, and 
should such supplies be appointed when Mr. Elder is 
to be in Paxton, then he and the persons to supply 
shall preach in rotation, the one in the country and 
the other in the town ; but should Mr. Elder be in 
Derry, then the supplies shall officiate in town. 
4. The congregation, when able, or they think proper, 
may invite and settle any regular Presbyterian minis- 
ter they or a majority of them may choose, and can 
obtain, as a co-pastor with Mr. Elder, who shall offi- 
ciate as to preaching in the manner specified in the 
third proposal. 

In 1791, the Rev. Mr. Elder resigned the pastoral 
charge of the congregations of Paxton and Derry, with 
which he had been intrusted for 60 years, on account 
of the infirmities of age, and in July of the following 
year he died, at the advanced age of 86 years, on his 
farm adjoining Harrisburg, beloved in life, and in 
death lamented. 

The following extracts, which relate to the bloody 
outrage which was perpetrated on the Indians at 
Conestoga, on the night of the 14th December, 1763, 
and in which many of the people of Paxton acted a 
prominent part, are from a series of historical num- 
bers in the Lancaster Intelligencer and Journal, 

23 



266 ^ SUPPLEMENT. 

1843, by Redmond Conyngham, Esq., and may be 
of interest in this connexion. 

^' Imagination cannot conceive the perils with which 
the settlement of Paxton was surrounded, from 1754 
to 1765. To portray each scene of horror would be 
impossible — the heart shrinks from the attempt. The 
settlers were goaded on to desperation ; murder fol- 
lowed murder. Scouts brought in the intelligence that 
the murderers were traced to Conestogue. Rifles 
were loaded, horses were in readiness. They mount- 
ed ; they called on their pastor to lead them. He 
was then in the 57th year of his age. Had you seen 
him then, you would have beheld a superior being. 
He had mounted, not to lead them on to the destruc- 
tion of Conestogue but to deter them from the attempt ; 
he implored them to return; he urged them to reflect. 
^ Pause, pause before you proceed.' It was in vain. * The 
blood of the murdered cries aloud for vengeance ; we 
have waited long enough on government. The murder- 
ers are within our reach, and they must not escape.' 
Mr. Elder reminded them that the ^ guilty and inno- 
cent could not be distinguished.' 'Innocent! can 
they be called innocent who foster murderers ?' Mr. 
Elder rode up in front, and said, ' As your pastor, 
I command you to relinquish your design.' * Give 
way, then,' said Smith, ' or your horse dies,' at the 
same time presenting a rifle. To save his horse, to 
which he was much attached, Mr. E. drew him aside, 
and the rangers were off on their fatal errand. 

*' Mr. Elder frequently visited the Indians at Co- 



PAXTON AND DERRY CHURCHES. 267 

nestogue, Pequehan, and the Big Island, and was 
much respected by them. He had frequently repre- 
sented to the Christian Indians the wrong they were 
doing to the whites by admitting stranger Indians 
among them, — conduct which made them suspected of 
treachery." 

Extract from a letter of Mr. Elder to Governor 
Penn, January 27th, 1764. 

" The storm which had been so long gathering, has 
at length exploded. Had government removed the 
Indians from Conestogue, which had frequently been 
urged without success, this painful catastrophe might 
have been avoided. What could I do with men heated 
to madness ? All that I could do, was done. I expos- 
tulated, but life and reason were set at defiance. And 
yet the men in private life are virtuous and respecta- 
ble ; not cruel, but mild and merciful." 

In the year 1788, Mr. James Snodgrass, after his 
ordination by Presbytery, was installed pastor of 
the congregation of Hanover. Mr. Snodgrass de- 
parted this life, July 2d, 1846, aged 84 years, after 
having long and faithfully served his Master in the 
ministry of reconciliation, and exhibited the power of 
godliness in his walk and conversation. The church 
in Hanover, where he preached for nearly sixty years, 
is now, as a Presbyterian church, nearly extinct. 

In 1793, a call was received and accepted by Mr. 
Nathaniel R. Snowden, from the congregations of 
Harrisburg, Paxton, and Derry, in which each con- 
gregation engaged to pay him the sum of fifty pounds 



268 SUPPLEMENT. 

annually for his pastoral services. Three years af- 
terwards, the relation between the Rev. Mr. Snowden 
and the congregation of Derry was dissolved, and the 
congregation of Paxton having by a considerable 
majority declared their determination to " hold a con- 
nexion with Derry," this arrangement was approved 
by Presbytery, and Mr. Elder was subsequently pas- 
tor of Harrisburg only. 

In 1799, Mr. Joshua Williams was installed pastor 
of the united congregations of Derry and Paxton, 
with the agreement, that for two-thirds of his labours 
the congregation of Derry was to pay him one hun- 
dred and twenty pounds, and that for one-third of his 
labours he was to receive from the congregation of 
Paxton sixty pounds annually. This pastoral rela- 
tion was dissolved in June, 1801, at the request of 
Mr. Williams. After this (1803), a call from these 
congregations was given to Mr. James Adair, but be- 
fore the meeting of Presbytery after that at which 
this call was put into his hands, Mr. Adair was re- 
moved by death. 

The next pastor of Paxton and Derry was the Rev. 
James Sharon. Mr. Sharon died, April 18th, 1843. 
We regret that the obituary of this excellent man, as 
well as that of Mr. Snodgrass, has not yet been re- 
ported to Presbytery so as to be entered in their book 
and be available for our purpose ; but he was, as all 
know who ever came within the range of his influ- 
ence, a sound divine, an exemplary Christian, and dili- 



PAXTON AND DERRY CHURCHES. 269 

gent in the great work to which his life was conse- 
crated. 

In April, 1809, the Rev. James Buchanan was in- 
stalled pastor of the united congregations of Har- 
risburg and Middle Paxton. Two years afterwards 
Mr. Buchanan resigned the pastoral charge of the 
congregation of Middle Paxton, in which he had spent 
one-fourth part of his time. In 1815, the relation 
between the congregation of Harrisburg and Mr. 
Buchanan was dissolved at his request. Mr. Bu- 
chanan was succeeded at Harrisburg, in 1819, by the 
Bev. William R. Dewitt, who still continues to serve 
the congregation with every indication of attachment 
on the part of the people, and gratifying evidence that 
the long pastoral supervision of a flock, is not neces- 
sarily attended with a diminution of usefulness in their 
midst. At the request of Doctor Dewitt, in 1832, 
the re-organization of the Church of Middle Paxton 
was noticed on the Minutes of Presbytery. 

In 1843, the congregation of Paxton obtained 
leave of Presbytery to procure the services of Mr. John 
M. Boggs for six months. In 1844, a call from the 
congregation of Paxton and Derry was received and 
accepted by Mr. Boggs. At Mr. Boggs's ordination 
and installation, the Rev. Doctor J. C. Watson was 
appointed to preach the sermon. Doctor Moody to 
preside, and Doctor M'Ginley to deliver the charge. 
The present pastor of these congregations, the Rev. 
A. D. Mitchell, has had the charge of them for seve- 
ral years. 

23* 



270 SUPPLEMENT. 

The Session of Paxton, at present, consists of Ben- 
jamin Jordan, Robert W. M'Clure, and John B. 
Rutherford. Of Derry, the only Elder is, James 
Clark, Esq., of Hummelstown. 



MONAGHAN AND PETERSBUKG CHURCHES. 

The Presbyterian Church at Dillsburg, York 
County, Pennsylvania, ecclesiastically known as 
" Monaghan," takes its name from the township in 
which it was formerly embraced. It is often called 
" Old Monaghan/' because of its unquestionable anti- 
quity. It was organized more than a century ago, 
although at this late period nothing certain is known 
as to the very year of its origin. At first it belonged 
to the old Presbytery of Donegal, for the Presbytery 
of Carlisle, with which it is now connected, was not 
erected until 1786. Tradition says, that for some 
years after its organization, the savages were nume- 
rous in the region round about, and daring in their 
movements of hostility towards the white settlers, so 
much so, indeed, that a part of the congregation, for 
the sake of protection, and to guard against surprise, 
found it necessary to carry their fire-arms with them 
to church. 

We find the following reference to this congrega- 
tion in the minutes of a meeting of Presbytery at 
East Pennsborough, September 3d, 1745. " Com- 



MONAGHAN AND PETERSBURG. 271 

missioners from a small settlement in Bermudin ac- 
quainted the Presbytery that, in order to have the 
ordinances dispensed among them, they desired to be 
adjoined to, and looked on as a part of, the Lower Con- 
gregation of Pennsborough, and that they might be 
allowed to build a meeting-house convenient for them." 
Prom this record, it is evident, we think, that the 
congregation had an anterior existence, and then only 
sought such a connexion as would secure to them the 
regular enjoyment of the public means of grace. In 
relation to the latter part of the above request pre- 
sented to Presbytery, the following action was had 
at their meeting in April, 1760. 

" Pursuant to Monaghan's application, the Pres- 
bytery orders Mr. Thomson, John M'Knight, Esquire, 
and John Davies, to meet at Mr. John Dill's, on Mon- 
day, the 28th inst., to judge respecting the situation 
of the place where Monaghan people design to build 
their meeting-house, and fix the bounds of that and 
East Pennsborough congregations, if they have suf- 
ficient clearness." The report which this committee 
made, two years afterward, was, " that Yellow 
Breeches should be the line between East Pennsbo- 
rough and Monaghan, and that Monaghan meeting- 
house should be near John Dill's." 

We are indebted, for the subsequent particulars in 
relation to this church, to the Rev. Joseph A. Mur- 
ray, at present the pastor of Monaghan and Peters- 
burg. 

" The first place in which the early settlers wor- 



272 SUPPLEMENT. 

shipped, was a log house, which stood at the ^ old 
grave-yard,'* about a quarter of a mile northwest of 
the present town, — for at that time there was not so 
much as a town commenced here. Where precisely 
this church was built, and how long it was used, can- 
not now be ascertained. In the year 1782, a stone 
edifice was erected at what is now the edge of the 
town. It was about 50 feet long, 40 feet wide, and 
15 feet high to the square of the walls. The pulpit, 
small and elevated, was at the north side ; and a door 
was at the south side, as well as at each end. A small 
stone building, about 15 feet square and 8 feet high, 
was attached to the north side, having two entrances, 
one communicating with the yard, and the other with 
the church, near the pulpit. In olden times this was 
called ' The Study,'' it was also used as a school- 
room. Here the Session met ; here were prayer-meet- 
ings held ; and here at last was the winter fuel kept. 
In 1813 this church was burnt, the fire originating 
in the small building attached, then used for a school. 
The year following it was repaired. The stonework 
was not taken down, and it was soon found necessary 
to support the south wall by huge props, in the form 
of logs, one end placed against the wall and the other 
in the ground. It was supposed that the wall had 
been injured by the fire, or else was not strong 
enough to sustain the new roof, which, with its frame- 

* So called on account of its antiquity, and to distinguish it 
from another grave-yard, of more recent origin, adjoining the 
present church edifice. 



MONAGHAN AND PETERSBURG. 273 

work, was thought much heavier than the first roof; 
hence the wall began to bulge, and called for the 
props in question. Subsequently the interior was re- 
modelled. Four supports, in the form of long co- 
lumns, were placed within the church, near the south 
wall, reaching from the ground-floor to the rafters 
above, and the outside props were removed. The 
ceiling was gently arched, and lined with boards. 
The door at the west end was closed, and the pulpit 
placed there, leaving three entrances, one at the east 
end, another at the south side, and the other at the 
north side, communicating with the session-room. The 
pews had narrow seats, with a very narrow ledge to 
support the backs of the occupants ; and uncomforta- 
ble as these would be to those accustomed to some- 
thing better, yet doubtless they were considered a de- 
cided improvement where something worse had been 
enjoyed ! This edifice had become so dilapidated, so 
unsafe and uncomfortable, that, in the spring of 1849, 
it was taken down, and gave place to another — built 
of brick, and occupying in part the same ground. 
The new church has many of the improvements of 
modern times, is as chaste and attractive as it is 
commodious and comfortable, and is capable of hold- 
ing 400 persons, — a greater number than the previous 
building could conveniently seat. It was opened for 
divine worship on Friday, the 30th of November 
1849, on which occasion the pastor gave a history of 
the church. On the day following, the congregation 
unanimously agreed to introduce and use the book of 



274 SUPPLEMENT. 

Psalms and Hjmns approved and authorized by the 
General Assembly. 

" The Rev. George Duffield — grandfather of Dr. 
Duffield, of Detroit, Michigan — and the Eev. John 
Steel, members of the Presbytery of Donegal, preach- 
ed at different times, to the congregation worshipping 
in the log church. Mr. Duffield was installed as their 
pastor, ' to give them one-third part of his stated 
labours,' November 15, 1769. The Rev. Samuel 
Waugh, a member of the same Presbytery, having ac- 
cepted a call, was installed pastor of the united con- 
gregations of East Pennsborough and Monaghan, in 
the year 1782, and continued their pastor till the time 
of his death, which occurred in 1807. The late vene- 
rable Dr. Cathcart describes him as ' a most wor- 
thy, excellent man;' and there are those here who 
can bear similar testimony to his character. In 
March, 1809, the Rev. John Hayes — antecedently 
Professor of Languages in Dickinson College — became 
their pastor, and continued as such till the spring of 
1815. He was not only a linguist, but a poet of no 
mean reputation, and in 1807 had published a volume 
entitled, ' Rural Poems, Moral and Descriptive.' 
His talents were consecrated to useful purposes ; and, 
though 'dead,' he 'yet speaketh.' For a number 
of years after he resigned the charge — an event occa- 
sioned in consequence of his health failing — the 
church, which had become detached from East Penns- 
borough, or Silvers' Spring, was dependent upon 
supplies, stated and occasional. The Rev. Dr. A. 



MONAGHAN AND PETERSBURG. 275 

M'Clelland, now of New Brunswick, New Jersey, 
preached to the congregation during his connexion, 
as Professor, with Dickinson College. His character 
and services, his genius and wit, are well and favour- 
ably remembered. The Rev. N. R. Snowden, father 
of the late State Treasurer, was also a frequent sup- 
ply.* The Rev. N. Todd, then a probationer under 
the care of the Philadelphia Presbytery, and now a 
venerable minister and teacher in Western Pennsylva- 
nia, supplied the congregation for some time ; and 
during his services Watts's book of Psalms and Hymns 
was introduced, in the place of the old version of 
Psalmody by Rouse. 

*' In the spring of 1830, the Rev. A. B. Quay 
commenced his labours among the people ; and in the 
spring of 1832 he was installed pastor of the united 
congregations of Monaghan and Petersburg, — on 
which occasion the Rev. Samuel B. Howe, D.D., 
then President of Dickinson College, preached the 
sermon, and the Rev. George Duffield, then of Car- 
lisle, gave the charge to the pastor and people. The 
pastoral relation then constituted continued till the 
autumn of 1839 ; Mr. Quay then resigned the charge, 
having accepted of an appointment to act as an agent 
of the Board of Education. For about the space of 
two years afterwards, the united congregations were 
supplied by the Rev. E. M'Kinney, now a missionary 

* He died at the residence of his son, Dr. C. Gt. Snowden, 
Freeport, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, November 3d, 1850, 
in the 81st, year of his age. 



276 SUPPLEMENT. 

of our Board among the Ottoe and Omaliaw Indians. 
In October, 1841, Mr. Joseph A. Murray received and 
accepted a call from the united congregations of 
Monaghan and Petersburg, and in April following 
the Presbytery ordained and installed him pastor 
of the same, — on which occasion the Rev. George 
Morris preached the sermon, the Rev. Dr. Amos 
A. M'Ginley presided, the Rev. Dr. Daniel M'Kin- 
ley delivered the charge to the pastor, and the Rev. 
J. T. Marshall Davie gave the charge to the congre- 
gation. The pastoral relation then constituted still 
continues. 

" Among the first elders of the church — of whom 
any recollection exists, and whose descendants arc 
still with us — were Messrs. Lewis Williams,"^ Matthew 
Dill, John Williams, William Porter,t Alexander 
Ross,| William Mitchell, JohnNisbet, and Alexander 
Sanderson. In 1802, Messrs. Edward O'Hail, Henry 
Logan, John M'Clellan, Allen Torbet, and George 
Robinette§ were appointed elders. These all repose 
with the dead. During the suppletory services of 
Mr. Snowden, Messrs. William Ross, Alexander 
M' Curdy, George Crocket, George Smith, and William 
M'Mullen were appointed elders. Most of these 

* Father of the late Rev. Joshua Williams, D.D., and grand- 
father of Mr. Lewis H. Williams, an elder in Dickinson Church. 

f Father of James Porter, Esq., one of our present elders. 

J Father of William Ross, Esq., one of our present Session. 

§ Father of George Robinette, an elder in the Petersburg 
church. 



MONAGHAN AND PETERSBURG. 277 

have finished their work on earth and entered upon 
their reward. When Mr. Quay assumed the pastoral 
care of the church, the Session consisted of Messrs. 
George Crocket, George Dare, G. W. Howard, James 
Porter, William Ross, and James Black. Mr. Crocket 
died in 1835. Messrs. W. W. Jones, Jacob Ritner,* 
and J. B. Hursh were chosen elders in the same year. 
In June, of 1837, Mr. Jones was dismissed to connect 
himself with the Second Presbyterian Church in Car- 
lisle ; and some time afterwards Mr. E-itner was dis- 
missed for the same purpose. Mr. James Clark was 
chosen an elder in September, of 1842. In a letter 
received from the late Dr. Cathcart, he says: — 
^ Monaghan Church was always well represented in 
Presbytery by her eldership, one of the three, either 
Messrs. Dill, Ross, or O'Hail, being always in atten- 
dance. Mr. O'Hail,' he adds, ' was once a delegate 
to the General Assembly, and attended its sessions 
with great punctuality.' 

*' The original settlers were chiefly, if not exclusively, 
from Ireland and Scotland ; rigid Presbyterians, ar- 
dently attached to the Church — a sober, industrious, 
moral, intelligent people. At an early period the 
congregation was very large, comprising nearly all 
the inhabitants of the settlement, whose religious 
predilections were thoroughly Calvinistic, and it was 
not unusual to see the church crowded to overflowing. 
It is not so now, owing to the operation of manifest 

* Son of Ex-Governor Ritner. 
24 



278 SUPPLEMENT. 

causes. Death has done its work, in removing many 
who had been pillars in the Church, and useful mem- 
bers of society. Another cause may be found in the 
spirit of adventure, and the hopeful prospects of emi- 
gration. And still another cause may be found in 
the establishment of other denominational organiza- 
tions throughout the region. Here, as in many other 
places, the original race of settlers is becoming gra- 
dually displaced by another race. Still, the Presbyte- 
rian element is comparatively strong and influential. 
" The year 1831 was rendered remarkable for the out- 
pouring of the Holy Spirit in many parts of our land. 
It was a season of refreshing to the churches belong- 
ing to the Carlisle Presbytery. Here the means of 
grace were well attended and properly appreciated. 
On one occasion the concourse of people was so great, 
that, while Mr. Williamson was proclaiming the Gos- 
pel to those who found room within the church, Mr. 
Duffield was preaching it to those outside. And there 
were those then added to the Church who are still ex- 
emplary members, and doubtless look back to that 
period with tender emotions. In the winter of '42 
and '43, there was an unusual degree of interest here 
on the subject of religion ; there was a great longing 
for the means of grace ; much and deep feeling exist- 
ed ; and some permanent good, we trust, was the 
result. 

" The persons who were organized into the Peters- 
burg Church — Adams County, Pennsylvania — previ- 
ously worshipped at Monaghan, having to travel from 
8 to 12 miles to church, and the same distance return- 



MONAGHAN AND PETERSBURG. 279 

4 

ing home, and it was on the ground of convenience 
that the little church was formed. For several years 
they had no church edifice. At first a ham in the 
summer, and a har-room'^ in the winter, served as the 
place of religious service. When the Academy was 
built in Petersburg, it became the usual place of wor- 
ship. The present brick edifice was erected in 1830, 
on a lot of ground presented by Mr. James M'Cosh. 

" The first Communion was held at the ' York 
Springs,' in 1826, when about a dozen of persons 
participated in the memorial of their Saviour's love. 

"The Rev. McKnight Williamson, now in Ohio, 
spent a part of his early ministerial career among the 
little flock. The Rev. H. R. Wilson, now deceased, 
preached for them several times; and occasionally 
they would be supplied by others, till Mr. Quay was 
installed pastor of the united congregations of Mona- 
ghan and Petersburg. 

" The first elders appointed were, Captain George 
Smith — previously an elder of Monaghan, — Major 
John Bonner, and James Robinette, Esq., son of 
George Robinette, one of the early elders of Mona- 
ghan. Captain Smith afterwards moved to the West, 
where he died. Major Bonner died several years 
ago ; his son, Colonel William F. Bonner, is a trus- 
tee of the church. And within the current year 
'Squire Robinette has been called to his reward in 

■^ A public house, then kept by the two sisters, Agnes and Mar- 
garet Bigham — firm Presbyterians, well and favourably known, 
the latter of whom is still living, a steadfast and consistent fol- 
lower of the Saviour. 



280 SUPPLEMENT. 

heaven. During Mr. Quay's ministry, Mr. George 
Robinette, brother of 'Squire Robinette, and Mr. 
William B. Brandon, grandson of Captain Smith, 
were chosen elders ; and since the present pastoral 
relation was constituted, Mr. John Mateer was elect- 
ed an elder ; — these form the present Session. 

" Although the church has grown, yet it continues 
somewhat small, but contains a commendable amount 
of intelligent piety and active benevolence." 



LOWER MARSH CREEK CHURCH. 

About the years 1734-6, a band of emigrants from 
Scotland and the north of Ireland, more usually known 
in Pennsylvania as Scotch-Irish, settled on the "red 
lands" in the southeastern part of York County. Not 
long afterwards, and probably about the year 1740, 
a number of the same race made the first settlement 
in what is now Adams County, among the hills near 
the sources of Marsh Creek. These settlers were of 
the better order of peasantry, and brought with them 
the characteristics of their native land. They were 
moral, industrious, and intelligent, and for the most 
part were rigid Presbyterians, or "Seceders." They 
were frugal, as the Scotch always are — plain in their 
mode of living, but cordial and hospitable. They were 
universally men of undaunted courage, and high pa- 
triotic feeling, and when the alarm of the Revolution 
first rung through the land, it called no truer or more 
willing hearts than those of the Scotch-Irish Presby- 



LOWER MARSH CREEK CHURCH. 281 

terians. The manners and character of the early 
settlers have been very generally inherited by their 
descendants, — many of whom still cultivate the same 
farms, worship in the same old churches, and hold fast 
to the rigid and venerated ''form of sound words" of 
the Presbyterian Church. (Pennsylvania Historical 
Collections, p. 56.) 

We make the following extracts, touching the his- 
tory of Presby terianism in the region of Marsh Creek, 
from the Presbyterial Records. 

" In 1740, Mr. Sankey was appointed to preach at 
Great Conewago and Marsh Creek, the second Sab- 
bath of August, and Mr. Samuel Thompson the fourth 
Sabbath. 

'' 1742. Upon reading of the minute of our last, re- 
lating to the Committee appointed to fix the site of a 
Meeting-House at Marsh Creek, appeared Commis- 
sioners from both those places with supplications, sig- 
nifying their acquiescence in the judgment of said 
Committee, viz. : that it is expedient that there be two 
Meeting-Houses, and that the people of Marsh Creek 
are agreed that their Meeting-House be at a certain 
spring near Robert McFerson's, which the Presby- 
tery approve of." 

Some time after this, the Rev. Andrew Bay was 
called to take charge of the congregation of Marsh 
Creek, and was, in all probability, its first minister 
Whether he was installed or not, is not known. Mr. 
Bay was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. M'Mordie, whose 
pastoral relation was dissolved in 1761. 

24* 



282 SUPPLEMENT. 

In 1765, "A paper was brought in from Marsh 
Creek, Thorn's, and Piney Creeks, respecting their 
having fixed the bounds between said congregations, 
which the Presbytery ordered to be entered on record, 
and which is as follows : 

"We the subscribers, commissioners of the Marsh 
Creek, Thom's Creek, and Piney Creek congregations, 
being met this 25th day of April, 1765, in order to 
treat respecting the division lines between said con- 
gregations, have agreed, that a line being drawn 
straight from Marsh Creek Meeting-house to that of 
Thom's Creek, a line crossing that line at right angles, 
at the end of four miles and a half from Marsh Creek 
Meeting-house, and extended on the one side to Thom's 
Creek, and on the other till it intersect Piney Creek 
congregation, shall be the division line between said 
congregations, and that the division line between 
Marsh Creek congregation and that of Piney Creek, 
shall be midway between the meeting-houses of said 
congregations. Witness our hands this day and 
year above written." 

(Et sic subscribitur.) 

John Alexander, 
Saml. McFarpvAN, 
Wm. Shields, 
Andrew Hart, 
Wm. Cochran, 
Jno. McKinly, 
James McGinley, 
Wm. Porter. 



LOWER MARSH CREEK CHURCH. 283 

The Rev. John Slemmons was ordained and in- 
stalled pastor of Lower Marsh Creek congregation 
in 1765, and dismissed in 1774. He was removed 
by death, July 10th, 1814, and his remains lie in the 
graveyard at Piney Creek Church. 

In 1779, "the congregation of Lower Marsh 
Creek entered into an agreement with Mr. Martin 
for one year of his labours, to which agreement Pres- 
bytery acceded." 

In 1781, a supplication having been brought in 
by William F.inley and James Ferguson, commissioners 
from Lower Marsh Creek congregation, that they 
might have leave to join with Thorn's Creek, this 
request was granted by Presbytery. 

The Reverend John M' Knight (afterwards Dr. 
M'Knight), became pastor of this charge in 1783, and 
continued to be so until 1789, when he accepted a 
call from the united congregations of New York City. 
Dr. M'Knight Avas a very popular preacher, and 
greatly beloved by his people. 

In 1792, the Rev. Wm. Paxton accepted a call from 
Lower Marsh Creek and Thorn's Creek congregations, 
and on the 3d of October in the same year (Dr. 
Davidson and Mr. Lang officiating on the occasion), 
he was ordained and installed in the woods near to 
the church, where a temporary pulpit and seats were 
placed for the use of the congregation which the 
house could not accommodate, and where the services, 
on communion occasions, were for many years after- 
wards held. 



284 SUPPLEMENT. 

In 1794, the pastoral relation which the Eev. Mr. 
Black had sustained for some time to the congregation 
of Upper Marsh Creek, was dissolved by his request. 
We acknowledge our obligation to the present 
esteemed pastor of Lower Marsh Creek, for the 
following particulars : 

'' To me it seems that Lower Marsh Creek Church 
was formed by the division of the Presbyterian Church 
into Old and New Side. Lower Marsh Creek was New 
Side. I have seen no mention, on the minutes of Pres- 
bytery, of Lower Marsh Creek, for a long time after 
Upper Marsh Creek is mentioned. There is no men- 
tion of the organization of Lower Marsh Creek on 
the minutes of the Donegal Presbytery, as far as I 
remember. Its first minister was a member of the 
Newcastle Presbytery. It would seem that it was 
organized by some minister of the New Side. As 
far as I can determine, Rev. Andrew Bay was the 
first minister. He was a member of the Synod of 
New York during the separation." (Rev. H. R. 
Wilson, D.D., to Rev. D. D. Clarke.) 

^' The first house of worship was a log building, 
located at the graveyard, on the bank of Lower Marsh 
Creek. A stone in the yard bears date, 1749. It was 
rude throughout, benches being used instead of pews. 
While the congregation worshipped there, it was sup- 
plied for a time by a Mr. Balch. 

".About the year 1790, the old log house was thrown 
down, and the present stone edifice erected. This 
building is about five miles southwest of Gettysburg, 



LOWER MARSH CREEK CHURCH. 285 

in ^Carroll's Tract,' a section of country named 
after the venerable proprietor and patriot, Charles 
Carroll of Carrollton. This was a considerable ad- 
vance in capacity and appearance on the old log house, 
yet it was unsightly. The seats were straight and 
high-backed, and the pulpit very narrow and deep, 
and elevated on the side of the building. It was sub- 
sequently placed at the end, and somewhat modern- 
ized. The entrance was by four doors, two at each 
end of the house ; the door in front of the pulpit was 
paved with brick, and had a gradual elevation to the 
opposite wall. There was no stove or fire used in 
winter, in the log house, nor in the present one, for 
many years after its erection. 

" Lower Marsh Creek Church was incorporated in 
1805. The first trustees were, Elijah Hart, George 
Kerr, Reynolds Ramsay, Samuel AVitherow, William 
Miller, William Bigham. The Rev. William Pax- 
ton, Benjamin Reid, William M' Clean and Moses 
M' Clean, were appointed a committee to carry out the 
desire of the congregation in reference to the provi- 
sions of the charter. 

" The names of but few of the first elders are now 
known. Among them were Mr. Cotton, James Fer- 
guson, James M'Gaughy, Benjamin Reid, William 
Hill, William M' Clean, Captain David Wilson, Sa- 
muel Witherow, Samuel M'Cullough, John M'Ginley, 
Abraham Scott. In later times, John Kerr, John 
Stewart, Hugh M'Gaughy, Amos Maginley, William 



286 SUPPLEMENT. 

M'Gaughy, William M. Scott, who have gone to 
their reward, while many of their descendants are still 
in the church of their fathers, and some have taken 
their place in the eldership. 

" From this congregation the following persons have 
entered the ministry : Samuel Shannon, first lieu- 
tenant of the company of Captain David Wilson, an 
elder, and officer in the War of the Revolution. Mr. 
Shannon went to Kentucky. John M' Knight, one 
of the pastors; John Linn of Shearman's Valley ; Sa- 
muel Waugh of Silvers' Spring ; John Slemmons, 
another of its pastors ; Samuel Ramsey, who settled in 
Virginia; Amos M'Ginley, D.D., of Path Valley ; H. 
R. Wilson, D.D., James Black, Virginia; John Waugh 
(of John), John Waugh (of David) ; Rev. John 
M'Pherrin of West Pennsylvania, it is believed, went 
from this congregation. All of the above, except 
Dr. M'Ginley and Mr. Black, have died. Several 
of the sons of those who were pastors of this congre- 
gation are now in the ministry, or preparing for it. 
We here insert the Obituary of Dr. W. Paxton, as 
it is found in the Presbytery's Book of Obituaries. 

" The Rev. William Paxton, D.D., late pastor of 
the Presbyterian Church of Lower Marsh Creek, 
died at his late residence, in Fairfield, Adams County, 
Pa., on the 16th day of April, 1845, in the 86th year 
of his age, and in the 53d year of his ministry. He 
was born in Lancaster County, on the 1st day of April, 
1760. Very little is known of his early life ; but from 
what is known, it appears that he remained with his 



LOWER MARSH CREEK CHURCH. 287 

parents until he was nearly thirty years of age, 
when he commenced his classical education, under 
the superintendence of the Rev. Nathaniel Sample, 
with whom, also, he pursued his theological studies. 
On the 29th day of April, 1789, Dr. Paxton was 
received under the care of the Presbytery of New- 
castle as a candidate ; and on the 8th day of April, 
1790, he was licensed by the same Presbytery, as a 
probationer for the Gospel ministry. On the 4th 
day of October, 1791, the churches of Thorn's Creek 
and Lower Marsh Creek, within the bounds of the 
Presbytery of Carlisle, requested that he might be ap- 
pointed a stated supply to them, and the Presbytery 
of Newcastle gave him permission to preach to their 
churches for five successive Sabbaths. On the 21st 
of December, 1791, the churches of Thom's and Lower 
Marsh Creek, presented calls to the Presbytery of 
Newcastle for the ministerial services of Dr. Pax- 
ton ; and on the 4th day of April, 1792, he accepted 
these calls, and was accordingly dismissed from the 
Presbytery of Newcastle, to put himself under the 
care of the Presbytery of Carlisle. On the 7th of 
June, 1792, he was received under the care of the 
Presbytery of Carlisle, and on the 3d day of October, 
1792, he was ordained to the work of the Gospel 
Ministry, and installed Pastor of the churches of 
Thom's and Lower Marsh Creek. 
:-^" It cannot be ascertained how long Dr. Paxton 
was pastor of the church at Thom's Creek; but the 
church of Lower Marsh Creek, finding themselves 



288 SUPPLEMENT. 

able to support him all his time, received the whole 
of his ministerial services from an early date. 

" On the 20th day of January, 1794, Dr. Paxton was 
united in marriage with Miss Jane Dunlap, of Cum- 
berland County. This lady still lives, waiting for the 
salvation of God. Dr. Paxton had four children, 
all of Avhom, with one exception, preceded their father 
to the grave. 

" On the 19th day of October, 1841, on account 
of the infirmities of age. Dr. Paxton applied to 
Presbytery to dissolve the pastoral connexion between 
him and the Church of Lower Marsh Creek ; which con- 
nexion, after having existed for a period of forty-nine 
years, was accordingly dissolved. It may be proper, 
however, to add, that Dr. Paxton continued to supply 
the Church of Lower Marsh Creek occasionally, until 
they obtained their present pastor, so that it may be 
said that that church was favoured with his minis- 
trations for more than half a century. It is worthy 
of remark, also, that during the forty-nine years of 
his pastoral life, Dr. Paxton rarely, if ever, disap- 
pointed his people, by a failure in attendance upon 
the duties of the sanctuary. No inclemency of wea- 
ther ever prevented him from being in the house of 
God on the Sabbath, to preach the Gospel to those 
who might not be prevented by the same cause, from 
attending upon his ministry, 

" The early life of Dr. Paxton was somewhat identi- 
fied with the struggles of our country for her national 
independence. He served in three campaigns in the 



LOWER MARSH CREEK CHURCH. 289 

Revolutionary War, in one of which he was in the 
neighbourhood, during the battle of Trenton. 

"Although Dr. Paxtonhad not the advantage of a 
collegiate education, still, by close application, under 
private tuition, he attained to a standing in literature, 
science, and theology, rarely equalled by many who 
have enjoyed that benefit. Accordingly, the Trustees 
of Dickinson College, in virtue of his attainments in 
those acquisitions, conferred on him the honorary de- 
gree of Doctor of Divinity, — a title which in those days 
was far more the reward of merit than of favour. Dr. 
Paxton was possessed of a profound and discriminat- 
ing intellect. His pulpit performances bore ample 
testimony to the extent and variety of his acquisitions. 
His sermons were rich in thought, always exhibiting 
with great force and plainness the fundamental doc- 
trines of the Gospel. 

" In his private intercourse, he was remarkable for 
afi'ectionate simplicity; he claimed no distinction above 
the plainest individual ; and he seemed to be conscious 
of no superiority to others, either in understanding or 
knowledge. His habits were domestic, perhaps to a 
fault. The circle around his own fireside was so de- 
lightful to him, that he seldom sought enjoyment 
abroad. His door was always open to his acquain- 
tances and friends ; he was always particularly pleased 
with the company of his ministerial brethren, and few 
ever left his house without feelings of gratitude for 
his society and hospitality. As a Christian, his object 
appeared to be, to cultivate and cherish an intelligent 

25 



290 SUPPLEMENT. 

piety. Humble and unostentatious in his deportment, 
his unabating confidence, amidst all the dealings of 
God with him, was founded on the merits of the bless- 
ed Saviour, whose Gospel he was permitted to preach 
to others. The venerable father is now at rest. With 
him, we trust, the agonies of dissolving nature were 
but the prelude to eternal joys. His dying was but 
the laying down of mortality to put on immortality, 
and He who is the resurrection and the life, will 
watch over the sleeping dust in its repose in the grave, 
and He will, in his own time, burst the bars of the tomb, 
and that which was born a natural, will be raised a 
spiritual body, in angelic splendour and beauty." 

The Rev. D. D. Clarke, the present pastor of Lower 
Marsh Creek, was installed in June, 1843. 

The following persons compose the Session at this 
time : James Ely the, Andrew Marshall, John Marshall, 
James Bigham, R. Cobean, John M'Ginley, J. J. 
Kerr, A. W. Maginley, — the two first of whom do not 
act, by reason of infirmity. 

Recently, the house has been thoroughly remodelled. 
The improvements are, a new roof, floor, and pulpit ; 
the seats lowered and sloped in the back. Venetian 
blinds ; carpeting ; vestibule, with the entrance by two 
doors into the vestibule ; making it as neat and com- 
fortable as most of the country churches. The con- 
gregation, during the present pastorate, has suffered 
by death and removals, but it has received numerous 
valuable accessions. Harmony prevails among its 



CHURCH AT GETTYSBURG. 291 

members the attendance is good; and the spirit of 
benevolence has greatly increased. 



CHURCH AT GETTYSBURG. 

This church was originally known as the " Upper 
Presbyterian Church of Marsh Creek." This is the 
name which it bears in the Act of Incorporation, 
passed 13th of September, 178T. The first pastor of 
the congregation of whom any notice is taken on the 
records of Presbytery, was the Rev. Mr. M'Mordie, 
who resigned his charge about the year 1762. The 
Kev. Mr. Black, who was a successor of Mr. M'Mordie, 
applied for, and obtained the dissolution of his pas- 
toral relation in 1794. " Of his history," writes the 
present pastor, the Rev. Mr. Johnston, "I cannot 
learn anything, excepting that tradition says he 
formed and sustained a temperance society before 
the present temperance movements had a being." 
It may be here stated that intemperance was the 
prevailing sin of the Church in its early history in 
this country, and more frequently than any other 
called for the exercise of discipline. 

The congregations of Upper Marsh Creek and 
Great Conewago were united in 1798, and the Rev. 
David M'Conaughy was installed their pastor on the 
8th day of October, 1800. " In that same year the 
formation of Adams into a separate county took 



292 supplement! 

place, and Gettysburg became the county seat. 
This town was situated about three miles from the 
site of the Upper Marsh Creek Church, and within 
the limits of that congregation. Increasing in wealth 
and population, and embracing within it a number of 
Presbyterian families, it was deemed too important a 
place to be left without the stated preaching of the 
Gospel by Presbyterians. For a time it was supplied 
by occasional preaching by Dr. M'Conaughy himself, 
and also by Dr. Paxton, the talented and eloquent 
pastor of the adjacent church of Lower Marsh Creek, 
one or more, of the families belonging to whose church, 
resided in the town. After some years, however, the 
congregation of Upper Marsh Creek determined to 
remove their edifice to town, and in the year 1813, 
Dr. M'Conaughy preached his last sermon in the old 
church, previous to its demolition. From various 
causes the new edifice was not ready for occupancy 
for several years. In the mean time, the congregation 
were kindly allowed the use of the Associate Reformed 
Church, then vacant, until a pastor should be procured. 
Afterwards they w^orshipped in the court-house, until 
the completion of their edifice. In the month of 
August, 1816, the house, having been completed, was 
solemnly dedicated to the worship of the Triune God. 
The congregation still retained its original chartered 
name of ' Upper Marsh Creek,' and still remained 
in union with Great Conewago, under the same pas- 
toral care as before. In these united congregations 
Dr. M'Conaughy continued, in the faithful and 



CHURCH AT GETTYSBURG. 293 

acceptable discharge of his ministerial duties, until 
the spring of 1832, when he was dismissed, at his 
own request, to connect himself with the Presbytery 
of Washington, within the bounds of which he intended 
to reside, as President of Washington College." 

From the same source to which we are indebted 
for the extract just given, we derive the following 
condensed sketch of Dr. M'Conaughy's history and 
character.* 

The Rev. David M'Conaughy was a native of 
Pennsylvania. He was born in Menallen Township, 
York County (now Adams), about six miles from 
Gettysburg, on the 29th of September, 1775. His 
collegiate education he received at Dickinson College, 
Carlisle, where he was graduated on the 30th day of 
September, 1795, during the presidency of the Rev. 
Dr. Charles Nisbet. He had the Latin Salutatory 
assigned him, which, according to the usage of the 
institution, at that time, was considered the first 
honour. After leaving college, he remained two 
years under the direction of the Rev. Dr. Nathan 
Grier, of Brandywine, in the prosecution of his theo- 
logical studies, when, on the 5th day of October, 
1797, he was licensed by the Presbytery of New- 
castle to preach the Gospel. 

On the 8th day of October, 1800, he was ordained 

* A discourse commemorative of the late Rev. David M'Co- 
naughy, D.D., L.L.D., by the Rev. David Elliott, D.D., preached 
March 21, 1852. 

25* 



294 SUPPLEMENT. 

and installed pastor of the united churches of Upper 
Marsh Creek and Great Conewago. 

Dr. M'Conaughj watched over his flock with a 
shepherd's care, and was ever ready to bestow his 
labour and exert his influence for the advancement, 
not only of their spiritual, but also of their temporal 
interests. He was the pioneer in the temperance 
reform in his native county. Preparatory to the 
formation of a society, and with a view of gaining 
access to all classes, he appointed meetings to be held 
in the court-house in the evenings, at which he read 
the temperance essays of Drs. Rush, Beecher, and 
others. Through his agency the first temperance 
society in Adams County was formed, of which he 
was elected the first president. 

On the 9th of May, 1832, Dr. M'Conaughy was 
inaugurated as President of Washington College. 
The number of students at the time of his accession, 
was one hundred and nineteen. Under his mild and 
paternal administration, the number continued to 
increase, and every year added to the strength and 
reputation of the institution, in the minds of intelli- 
gent and well-informed men. 

On the 1st of October, 1849, Dr. M'Conaughy 
tendered his resignation of the presidency to the 
Board of Trustees, by whom, after they had ascer- 
tained that his purpose to retire was immovably fixed, 
it was accepted. The high respect and veneration 
entertained for him by the Board of Trustees, were 
indicated by the strongly expressive resolutions which 



CHURCH AT GETTYSBURG. 295 

were passed immediately upon the acceptance of his 
resignation. 

Dr. M'Conaughj, after the dissolution of his con- 
nexion with the college, pursued his mental labours 
with his accustomed activity. As evidence of this, 
during the next year after his resignation, he pre- 
pared and published a volume of "Discourses, chiefly 
Biographical, of Persons eminent in Sacred His- 
tory." These are admirable discourses, — " fine speci- 
mens of discriminating thought, lucid arrangement, 
vigorous style, and the skilful and profitable exhibition 
of sacred truth." 

In the year 1838, he published, for the exclusive 
use of the senior class in Washington College, "A 
brief Summary and Outline of the Principal Subjects- 
comprehended in Moral Science." This is a compre- 
hensive and well-digested outline, which, it is to be 
regretted, he did not fill up, and thus have furnished 
our colleges with a convenient and religious text-book 
on that subject. His other publications consist of 
some half dozen sermons, and a few of his Bacca- 
laureate Addresses. These are all written with his 
accustomed ability, and were well adapted to the oc- 
casion and circumstances which severally called them 
forth. Since his decease, a couple of tracts from his 
pen have been issued from the pr^ss, — one on the 
Doctrine of the Trinity, and the other on the Salvation 
of Infants. 

Of Dr. M'Conaughy's early religious experience, 
and his first introduction into the kingdom of God 



296 SUPPLEMENT. 

we have no knowledge, but that he was a man of emi- 
nent piety towards God, no one acquainted with his 
character can entertain a doubt. His piety was 
intelligent, of a confiding character, cheerful, and 
eminently spiritual. 

He died at his residence in Washington, on Thurs- 
day, the 29th of January, 1852, in the seventy- 
seventh year of his age, and the fifty-fifth of his 
ministry. 

The Rev. James C. Watson, D.D., in June, 1832, 
became the successor of Dr. M'Conaughy in the 
churches of Gettysburg and Great Conewago, and 
continued to be their pastor until August, 1849, when 
he resigned, and the churches were separated. The 
"Rev. Robert Johnston entered upon his labours as 
Pastor at Gettysburg, in January, 1850. 

The names of the present elders of this congre- 
gation, are, George Arnold, Moses McLean, Nicholas 
Randolph, James M'Alister, Hugh Denwiddie, Robert 
G. M'Creary. 

The present church edifice in Gettysburg, which is 
large and beautiful, was erected in 1842. 



CHURCHES AT BEDFORD AND SCHELLSBURG. 

Bedford County, originally part of Cumberland 
County, was established, March 9th, 1771. It then 
included the entire southwestern part of the State. 



BEDFORD AND SCHELLSBURG. 297 

The establishment of Westmoreland in 1773, of Hunt- 
ingdon in '87, and Somerset in '95, and Fulton in 
1850, reduced it to its present limits. 

Bedford, the county seat, has, in addition to a 
Presbyterian church, churches for German Reformed 
and Lutheran, Methodist, and Catholic congrega- 
tions. 

The Presbyterian interest in this borough and the 
circumjacent region, was watched over by supplies 
from Presbytery, from 1763 until about the year 
1782, when, as the Records of Presbytery show, there 
was a congregation in existence of sufficient ability 
to call a pastor. This call was given to the Rev. 
Mr. Waugh, and contained an agreement on the part 
of the congregation, that if Mr. W. should become 
their pastor, his time should be divided, as follows : 
one-fourth in Providence Township, five Sabbaths in 
the year in Colerain Township and Cumberland Val- 
ley, and the remainder in the town of Bedford. This 
call was not accepted. 

In 1786, a call from this congregation was given 
to the Rev. Mr. Bard, who consented to settle as 
pastor, and continued in this relation until the 
autumn of 1789. After this, the congregation was 
supplied by appointments of Presbytery, the Rev. Mr. 
Bard, also, frequently officiating for it, until 1808, 
when the Rev. Alexander Boyd accepted the Pastor- 
ate of the church, which he retained until 1815. The 
ruling elders of an early date, were, James Taylor, 
Sr., David Anderson, David Riddle, John Reynolds, 



298 SUPPLEMENT. 

William Reynolds, and John Ritchey. Mr. Boyd 
preached at his settlement, in the old court-house, 
and during his incumbency (1810) the first church 
edifice was erected. 

The next Pastor at Bedford, was the Rev. Jeremiah 
Chamberlain, a native of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. 
Mr. C. took charge of the church in 1819, and re- 
signed his post in 1822, to accept an invitation, which, 
at the early age of twenty-seven, he had received, to 
the Presidency of Centre College, Danville, Ken- 
tucky. The following extract in relation to him, from 
a discourse on his life and character by the Rev. 
Joseph B. Stratton, on the occasion of his death as a 
victim of murder, in 1851, whilst President of Oak- 
land College, will be read with interest. 

" That his character was no ordinary one, the his- 
tory of his achievements sufiiciently indicates. His 
intellectual endowments and acquirements, without 
being brilliant or profound, were such as qualified him 
to be a ready and clear-sighted student, and an able 
and perspicuous instructor. His life was too crowded 
with extraneous duties to allow him the opportunity 
to seek the scholastic eminence, which otherwise would 
have been easily accessible to him. It was rather 
as the man of practical energy, of high-toned loyalty 
to principle, of self-possessed sobriety, of forethought 
and farsightedness, of fertility of invention and aptness 
in execution, of firmness tempered by suavity, of 
strict uprightness and disinterested devotion to what- 
ever his heart and conscience approved, it is rather 



BEDFORD AND SCHELLSBURG. 299 

as the paternal counsellor, the warm-hearted friend, 
the cheerful companion, the sincere and simple 
preacher, with the clear doctrine of Scripture ever on 
his lip, and the tear of emotion often in his eye, as 
the comforter in sorrow, and the helping brother to 
all who asked his sympathy or aid — it is in such cha- 
racters as these, that Dr. Chamberlain won distinc- 
tion, and merited all he won." 

Dr. Chamberlain's successor at Bedford was the 
Rev. Daniel M'Kinley, who accepted the call given 
him in 1827, and resigned his pastoral relation in 
1831, on account of the delicate state of his health, 
which unfitted him for the discharge of duty. 

Mr. McKinley was succeeded by the Rev. Baynard 
R. Hall, who served the congregation about six years ; 
the Rev. Elbridge Bradbury, whose pastoral relation, 
formed in 1839, was dissolved in 1841 ; the Rev. 
Alexander Heberton, who was installed in 1843, and 
resigned in 1845 ; and the Rev. William Maclay Hall, 
who was pastor for several years. When Mr. Hall 
was released from the pastoral care of the church, on 
account of increasing infirmities, which, not long 
after, terminated by death the life which he had de- 
voted to the self-denying toils of the ministry, by 
renouncing a lucrative practice of the Law, the pul- 
pit was supplied for a length of time by the Rev. 
William L. McCalla, during which period the Schells- 
burg and Bedford churches were united by Presby- 
tery in one charge. In 1850, Mr. Thomas K. Davis, a 
licentiate, supplying the pulpit of the church at 



300 SUPPLEMENT. 

Fayetteville, was called to the pastoral charge of the 
Bedford and Schellsburg churches. 

With the following data w^e have been kindly fur- 
nished by the Rev. Mr. Davis. 

*' The old building in Bedford was torn down about 
the year 1828, to give place to a more comfortable 
edifice. This building is of brick, and handsomely 
situated on the public square. It will accommodate 
500 persons. The room in the basement is used for 
a lecture and Sabbath-school room. The building, 
although in many respects commodious and fine-look- 
ing, contains the lofty pulpit, and high-backed box- 
like pews of ancient times. The spirit of modern im- 
provement will, doubtless, ere long lower the pulpit, 
and give a comfort to the seats which they now 
lack. 

" The congregation have a large and conveniently 
situated burying-ground, not far from the church. 
They have never as yet secured a parsonage. 

" The church numbers eighty-four communicating 
members at the present time. There are but two 
ruling elders, Mr. James Rea, Sr., and John Mower, 
Esq. 

" In May, 1833, Mr. James Taylor, Sr., and thirty- 
eight other members of the Bedford Church, made ap- 
plication and were organized as the Church of Schells- 
burg. The Rev. James G. Brackenridge was their 
first pastor. The memory of this devoted man is 
revered by the people, and the sudden and untimely 
death of their young minister and his excellent wife, 



THE CHURCH AT SCHELLSBURG. 301 

when on a visit to their friends near Taney town, Md., 
is still deplored. James Taylor, Sr., and Benjamin 
Gibbony, were the first ruling elders. The church 
building which is now used, was erected about the 
year 1835. It cost nearly $2200. It is pleasantly 
situated, has a neat appearance, and will accommo- 
date about 400 persons. 

" The pastors who succeeded Mr. Brackenridge 
were, the Rev. Messrs. Samuel Montgomery, David D. 
Clark, and Geo. S. Inglis. In 1848, this church was 
connected with that of Bedford, in receiving the ser- 
vices of Mr. M'Calla; and in 1850, the present pastor 
of the Bedford Church was installed pastor of the 
Schellsburg charge. 

" Apart of the Schellsburg congregation now wor- 
ship statedly in a sanctuary of their own, recently built 
near ' The Forks,' about equally distant from Bed- 
ford and Schellsburg. ' The Stone Church' was 
commenced during Mr. Inglis's time, and finished 
in 1851. ^^^iHnitifully situated at the western 
base of A'VlBj^ountain, on the banks of the Bays- 
town Branch, and is an interesting and encourag- 
ing field of labour. 

" The Schellsburg Church now numbers one hundred 
members more than the parent church, which sent 
out the colony in 1833. The elders at present are, 
Messrs. James Taylor, Jr., John Smith, George W. 
Hunt, Robert M. Taylor, and James Mullin. 

"With the exception of two small congregations in 
Wells' Valley, and at Green Hill, under the care of the 

26 



302 SUPPLEMENT. 

Rev. Mr. White, and another on Yellow Creek, minis- 
tered to by the Rev. Mr. Hill, of the Huntingdon 
Presbytery, these are the only Presbyterian congre- 
gations in the county. We have Romanists in Har- 
man's Bottom, that dark corner of Bedford County, 
Hicksites in the ' Quaker Settlement,' north of 
Schellsburg, and Unitarian Baptists of the Christian 
connexion, in different parts, with multitudes of people 
in various sections, who are very, very destitute of 
Gospel blessings. If our Presbytery were not so far- 
sighted as to bestow their attention on distant parts 
of the land and on other continents, overlooking the 
home field, which is full of interest and full of impor- 
tance, we would have a missionary or two preaching 
sound doctrine and holy living, among the wild moun- 
tains and in the pleasant valleys of old Bedford 
County." 



urg,^Ree 



THE CHURCHES OF M CONNELLSBURG,^mEEN HILL, 
AND wells' valley. 

It is with the Church of M'Connellsburg, as with 
most of the other churches of the Presbytery, — no re- 
cords of its early history can be found. The proba- 
bility is, that no such records were kept ; but if they 
were, they have perished. It is, however, evident 
from the minutes of Presbytery, that " The Great 



CHURCH OF m'connellsburg. 303 

Cove," (as the place was first called,) was a point fre- 
quently supplied with the preaching of the Gospel by 
appointment of Presbytery, as far back, at least, as 
1769. There are also still living within the bounds 
of the congregation, some aged members of it, whose 
memories are of service in rescuing its history from 
oblivion. From this source, the Rev. N. G. White, 
the present pastor of the charge, received aid in the 
preparation of the subjoined satisfactory sketch. 

" The congregation now worshipping in the Presby- 
terian church in the Borough ofM'Connellsburg, was 
organized some time before the year 1791. I know 
not the precise date. It was called the 'Presbyterian 
Congregation of the Great Cove.' Its first elders were 
William Alexander, William Gaff, and Charles Tag- 
gart. To their number were added shortly after- 
wards, Alexander Alexander (familiarly known as 
* Double Alick'), and James White. They worshipped 
for some ti me iojprivate houses, mostly in that of 
John Dick^PphWras an Associate Judge of Bedford 
County nearjy fifty years, and was one of the first 
and most eificient members of the congregation. It 
was owing chiefly to Judge Dickey's instrumentality, 
that a small log church was built, about two miles 
south of the town, which continued to be occupied as a 
house of worship until the present edifice was erected, 
in the year 1811. A Mr. Barclay, a Scotchman and 
member of the congregation, left by will $500 towards 
the erection of a church in the town. This sum, to- 
gether with subscriptions of various sorts from diffe- 



304 SUPPLEMENT. 

rent members of the congregation, enabled them to 
put up the present building. It continued (though 
occupied all the while) in an unfinished state for four 
or five years, when a pulpit, pews, and other fixtures 
were added, putting it in the state in which I found 
it when I first visited this place. 

" Its first pastor was the Rev. Isaac Kellar, who was 
settled here in the year 1818, and remained about 
five years as minister of the congregations of M'Con- 
nellsburg and Loudon. After his removal, a Mr. 
Jewett, from one of the New England States, came 
and established an Independent church, which greatly 
distracted the Presbyterian congregation. They, 
however, obtained occasional supplies for several years 
after which the late Rev. Robert Kennedy, of the 
"Welsh Run Church, was their stated supply, till the 
fall of 1833. During the winter of 1833-4, 1 preached 
to them ; in the spring following received and accepted 
their call, and was ordained and installed on the 11th 
of June, 1834. Perhaps I may sd|^h^p^that I was 
licensed by the Presbytery of Newcastle, on the 2d of 
October, 1833. The call to me included not only 
the Church of M'Connellsburg, but certain inhabi- 
tants of Green Hill, and Wells' Yalle}^, each of which 
is supplied with a comfortable and neat church, in 
which I preach every four weeks. The Session of the 
church in town, is at present composed of James Ag- 
new, John Jordan, Henry Hoke, and David Agnew. 

" The Church at Green Hill was organized on the 
12th day of September, 1835, consisting of twenty-one 



GREEN HILL AND WELLS' VALLEY. 305 

members, and John Jordan was elected and ordained 
a ruling elder. During the summer of that year, they 
put up a neat frame church, in which they still con- 
tinue to worship. The Session of that church is at 
present composed of James Austin, and James Lyon. 
William Alexander and Roland Austin have been re- 
cently elected elders, and will be ordained in a few 
weeks. 

" The Church in Wells' Valley, which is twenty 
miles west of M'Connellsburg, never was formally or- 
ganized. It is composed chiefly of the descendants 
of Alexander Alexander (' Double Alick', referred to 
above), who was a member of the Church in town, and 
whose son John was chosen an elder, and served with 
great acceptance in that capacity, until his death in 
1840. This John Alexander was in every respect a 
model of a good elder. He was one of the best men 
I ever knew. And though so modest and retiring in 
his disposition and habits, as to attract but little notice 
beyond the nRrow circle of his acquaintance, yet 
few ministers of the Gospel of the present day possess 
as accurate a knowledge of the Scriptures, and of 
Systematic and Polemic Theology, as he did. He 
could repeat verbatim, nearly all of the New Testa- 
ment, and more than one-half of the old. The 
Bible was his daily study for half a century, he 
imbibed its spirit, and he was truly ' clothed with 
humility.' No man that ever lived in this section 
of the country, possessed so strongly the confi- 
dence of the community, as a man of honesty, inte- 

26^ 



306 SUPPLEMENT. 

grity, and true piety. Truly * the memory of the 
just is blessed.' The elders of this church are, John 
Wishart and John B. Alexander. 

" There are about one hundred and forty communi- 
cating members in the Church in M'Connellsburg, 
about fifty at Green Hill, and about forty in Wells' 
Valley, — making two hundred and thirty in the whole 
charge." 



CHURCH AT CUMBERLAND, MARYLAND. 

We have been favoured with the following sketch 
by the Rev. John H. Symmes. 

"We have no record among us of the date of the 
organization of the Presbyterian Church in Cumber- 
land, Md., but it is certain that there was preaching 
here occasionally, by supplies, from .thoJ^pginning of 
the present century. The congregation was small 
and feeble for many j^ears, struggling, as it were, for 
a mere existence. Among those who ministered in 
holy things to this feeble church, at different times, 
were the Rev. Messrs. Hays, Kennedy, Raymond, and 
S. H. M'Donald. During the time that Messrs. Hays, 
Kennedy, and Raymond laboured here, the church was 
able to do very little towards the support of a pastor. 
Messrs. Hays and Kennedy were successively princi- 
pals of the Allegany County Academy, in which 
they taught for many years. From this source they 



CHURCH AT CUMBERLAND, MD. 307 

derived their principal support, and it is probable ex- 
pended upon it their principal labours. Mr. Ray- 
mond, at a later date, laboured a part of his time in 
Cumberland as a missionary, and was aided from the 
Missionary Fund. The Presbyterians in Cumberland, 
for many years had no place of worship of their own, 
but worshipped alternately in the Lutheran church. 

" In connexion with the Episcopalians, they at one 
time erected a house of worship, under an agreement, 
that each denomination should have the right to wor- 
ship in it alternately, according to their respective 
forms. But in process of time, the Presbyterians 
were denied their interest and privileges in the build- 
ing ; and the Episcopalians very unjustly appropria- 
ted the entire property to their own use. Had the 
Presbyterians appealed to Caesar to avenge them of 
their adversary, the Episcopalians would doubtless 
have been compelled to abide by the terms of the 
agreement, and restore to the others their privilege, 
or its equivgil^nt. But the Presbyterians, as usual in 
such cases, chose rather to suffer wrong. 

" In the year 1838, they erected a house of worship 
for themselves, 45 by 55 feet, with a gallery in the 
end, and surmounted by a small cupola and a bell. At 
this time, they were efficiently aided by the indefati- 
gable efforts and labours of the Rev. S. H. M'Donald, 
who for the space of five or six years acted as their 
stated supply. He was succeeded by the Rev. B. 
Wall, who was installed as the first regular pastor of 
this church, on the second Sabbath of July, 1843. 



308 SUPPLEMENT. 

The present incumbent, the Rev. J. H. Symmes, after 
labouring here from December, 1844, until the 9th 
of April, 1845, was on that day installed as pastor of 
the church, by a committee of the Presbytery. The 
congregation having increased so that the building 
was too small for their accommodation, in the 
autumn of 1846, an addition of 18 feet was made to 
the rear, and a lecture and Sunday school-room, 26 
by 36 feet, mostly in the rear of the church edifice as 
altered. In 1846, the number of communicants was 
thirty-five ; they now number about one hundred and 
twenty. The present ruling elders are, John Boward, 
James M. Smith, M.D, J. P. Agnew, and Abraham 
Russell." 



HAGERSTOWN CHURCH. 

The first pastor of this church, as flit as we can 
learn, was the Rev. Thomas M'Pherrin. How long 
precisely, he was connected with it in this character, 
we do not know ; but, as we find in the minutes of 
the Presbytery of 1774, a notice of his acceptance of 
a call from the united congregations of East and 
West Conococheague and Jerusalem, and then in the 
minutes of 1779, a notice of the dissolution of his 
pastoral relation to the people of Hagerstown, it is 
evident that his connexion with that congregation 
was of short duration. 



HAGERSTOWN CHURCH. 309 

In 1788, in compliance with a supplication from 
Falling Waters, Hagerstown, and Williamsport, the 
Rev. Mr. Caldwell was appointed by Presbytery 
"as a constant supply for those places for one year." 

In September, 1825, the Rev. M. L. Fullerton was 
installed as pastor of the church in Hagerstown, on 
which occasion the Rev. Mr. Elliott preached the 
sermon from 1 Thess. ii. 4, and the Rev. Mr. ^xton 
presided, offered up the consecrating prayer, and 
delivered the charges. 

The pastoral relation of the Rev. Richard Wyn- 
koop, which had existed for four years, was dissolved 
by Presbytery in April, 1838. 

The Rev. J. T. Marshall Davie was installed pastor 
of the congregations of Greencastle and Hagerstown, 
in October, 1840, and his connexion with the latter 
congregation, was dissolved in 1842. 

Mr. William Love, a licentiate of the Presbytery 
of Baltimore, was called to the church of Hagerstown, 
in 1845. At«the same time, the Associate Reformed 
Church of that place was taken under the care of 
the Presbytery of Carlisle, as " The Second Presby- 
terian Church of Hagerstown." 

In 1846, the First Presbyterian Church and the 
Presbyterian Church of Hagerstown, were, by a reso- 
lution of Presbytery, and on their own request, 
united, to be known as " The Presbyterian Church 
of Hagerstown," the name by which it was desig- 
nated prior to the separation. In the same year Mr. 
Love's labours among his people ceased, and he was 
dismissed to the Presbytery of Winchester, Va. 



310 SUPPLEMENT. 

The Rev. Septimus Tustin, who had for several 
years served as Chaplain to the Senate of the United 
States, was elected pastor at Hagerstown in 1848, 
and served in this capacity until 1850. Dr. Tustin 
afterwards settled in Germantown, near Philadel- 
phia, and now, having temporarily desisted from pas- 
toral labour, by reason of indifferent health, is residing 
with kis son in Washington City. 

The Rev. Robert W. Dunlap, who previously had 
charge of a church in Baltimore, was Dr. Tustin's 
successor at Hagerstown, and still labours among his 
attached people with encouraging success. 

The building in which the congregation now wor- 
ship, was the first used by them, and was first occu- 
pied in July, 1817. Previous to that time, the con- 
gregation worshipped in the German Reformed 
Church. The church was built by subscription. A 
list of the subscribers is in the hands of the Session^ 
and embraces the names of nearly all the citizens of 
the town and surrounding country. * 

The first Bench of Elders were — John Kennedy, 
Robert Douglass, John Robertson, Joseph Gabby. 
The present Session consists of Joseph Gabby, Samuel 
Steele, William Stewart, William Marshall, Joseph 
Rench, and James M'Dowell. 

The Church at Hagerstown has passed through 
some stormy scenes, but its present condition is 
peaceful and prosperous. 



CHURCH AT SHERMAN'S CREEK. 311 



SHERMAN'S CREEK. 

The following sketch of tHs congregation, is from 
the pen of the Rev. M. B. Patterson, its stated 
supply : 

" The early history of the Sherman's Creek con- 
gregation, is involved in considerable uncertainty as 
to dates, from a want of authentic records. It can, 
at present, be learned only from the diverse and 
sometimes contradictory testimony, gathered from the 
fading memories of a few of the most aged members. 

" It appears that towards the end of the last cen- 
tury, a few Presbyterian ministers had visited this 
region, of whom nothing more is remembered than 
their names, which were Rev. Messrs. Boyd, Porter, 
and Hoge. 

"About the beginning of the present century, sup- 
plies were sent to this section of country, from the 
Presbytery of Carlisle, viz.. Rev. Messrs. Sharon, 
Moodey, Wilson, and Brady. 

" The majority of the first settlers of this peaceful 
and retired region, were of Scotch-Irish descent, and 
warmly attached to the doctrines and order of the 
Presbyterian Church. In an early day, it was no 
uncommon thing for persons of both sexes, to travel 
on foot from ten to fifteen miles, when an opportunity 
ofi'ered of hearing the Gospel. The names of the 
families are, Adams, Boyd, Finley, Kirkpatrick, 



312 SUPPLEMENT. 

Ickels, M'Cord, M'Clintock, Smiley, Wallace, and 
White. 

" In 1804, a lot of ground was purchased and a 
house for public worship erected. Its dimensions 
were twenty-eight feet square. Tke materials were 
logs, which were delivered on the ground by the 
members of the congregation, in fulfilment of a pre- 
vious contract entered into by subscription. The 
logs were raised in 1804, but the building was not 
finished till 1805, owing to a prevailing disease. 

" In the year 1805, the Sherman's Creek Church 
was organized by Rev. Joseph Brady, a member of 
the Carlisle Presbytery, who was regularly called 
and installed their first pastor. His salary was $400, 
one-third of which was to be paid by this congre- 
gation. 

" The following named persons composed its first 
Session : — John White, Samuel Ickels, James AVal- 
lace, and Samuel Smiley. They all served this 
church in the capacity of ruling elders, till they were 
removed by death. There are no means of ascer- 
taining at the present time, the number of communi- 
cants composing their first organization. 

"Near the church a burying-ground was made, in 
which reposes the dust of many of the early inhabi- 
tants of this region. 

"In 1808, a session-house was built of logs, which 
is standing yet. 

" This church continued under the pastoral care of 
Rev. Joseph Brady, until the time of his death, which 
took place April 24, 1821. 



CHURCH AT Sherman's creek. 313 

"Mr. Brady was interred in the burying-ground 
at the Mouth of Juniata ; and the three congrega- 
tions, which he served about twenty years, in token 
of respect, erected at his grave a suitable monument. 

"After the death of Mr. Brady, this church was 
supplied by Rev. Mr. Lochrain, Prof. M'Clelland, 
of Dickinson College, and other supplies from Pres- 
bytery, till November 12, 1826, when Rev. John Nib- 
lock, of the Northumberland Presbytery, was called 
and installed pastor. 

"During Mr. Niblock's time, the church edifice 
was enlarged by the addition of fourteen feet of 
frame, and the whole was weather-boarded and plas- 
tered. 

"April 16, 1829, the Sherman's Creek Congrega- 
tion was incorporated by an act of the Legislature. 

" The pastoral relation between Mr. Niblock and 
this church was dissolved by death, August 11, 1830. 
Mr. Niblock was buried in the graveyard at Middle- 
ridge Church. 

"Rev. Matthew B. Patterson supplied this church 
from January 1, 1831, until the 22d of November 
following, when he was installed its pastor. 

"In 1833, the General Assembly's collection of 
Psalms and Hymns was introduced. 

"In 1843, the present edifice was erected. The 
materials are frame. The dimensions are 28 by 36 
feet. It is located two miles west of the old site. 

" The members of the present Session are, Jesse 
Kirkpatrick, David Smiley, and Frederick M'Kasky." 

27 



314 SUPPLEMENT. 



MOUTH OF JUNIATA AND MILLERSTOWN. 

The present pastor of these churches, has kindly 
furnished us with the following information : 

" The church at the Mouth of the Juniata, was 
organized by the Rev. Joseph Brady, A. d. 1804, who 
was ordained by the Carlisle Presbytery, Oct. 3, 1804. 
The church edifice (which was the first in this region), 
was erected in 1804. The first elders of this church 
were, Isaac Kirkpatrick, John Woodburn, William 
Patterson, and George M'Ginnes. Mr. Kirkpatrick 
is the only one of the first elders, now living in the 
bounds of this congregation. This church continued 
under the care of Mr. Brady till his death, which 
took place April 24th, 1821. 

From this period it was supplied with the word 
and ordinances, by Messrs. Lochrain, Tod, and other 
persons appointed by Presbytery, till Rev. John 
Niblock was installed its pastor, Nov. 21, 1826. In 
1826, Wm. Irwin, John Hearst, Samuel Willis, James 
Wilson, Jacob Steel, and Robert Galey, were elected 
and ordained elders. 

This congregation was incorporated by the Legisla- 
ture, during the session of 1828-9. 

Mr. Niblock died Aug. 11, 1830. 

Rev. M. B. Patterson, who was received by the 
Carlisle Presbytery, Sept. 27, 1831, supplied this 
church from Jan. 1st, 1831, till the following Novem- 



MOUTH OF JUNIATA. 315 

ber 22d, when he was installed its pastor. The pas- 
toral relation was dissolved in 1844 or '45. 

The church edifice at the Mouth of the Juniata, 
having become very much out of repair, and the 
location being one difficult of access, it was deter- 
mined by the congregation to erect a new house of 
worship, which they did, in the village of Petersburg, 
one mile distant from the old church. The building 
was completed in 1841. Its dimensions are forty by 
fifty feet. 

In 1845, John Mineer and Thomas White were 
elected and ordained elders. 

The Rev. Charles B. Maclay, who was licensed by 
the Carlisle Presbytery, April, 1846, and ordained 
June 2, 1847, supplied this church from April, 1846, 
till Nov. 1847, when he was installed its pastor. 
The pastoral relation was dissolved Oct., 1848. 

Mr. Hezekiah Hanson, who was licensed by the 
Carlisle Presbytery, Oct. 4th, 1848, commenced to 
supply this church, Dec. 26, 1848, received a call, 
and was ordained August 22d, 1849. 

The church edifice in Petersburg was repaired in 
1850-51. 

The old church at the Mouth of the Juniata, is used 
occasionally during the summer ; its dimensions are 
about 25 by 30. 

The present elders of this church are, Isaac Kirk- 
patrick, Thomas White, William Irwin, and Jacob 
Steel. 

The Presbyterians of Millerstown and vicinity 



316 SUPPLEMENT. 

erected a small house, in which they worshipped 
until after their present house was erected. The 
land upon which the first house was built, was con- 
veyed, on the 4th of May, 1808, to Thomas Cochran, 
William North, and Amos Jordan, and their suc- 
cessors in office for ever, as trustees of the Millers- 
town Presbyterian Congregation. 

According to the most reliable information we can 
obtain, there was no regular church organization, 
until the Rev. N. R. Snowden, in 1818, organized 
the present congregation. Mr. Snowden, shortly 
after, was installed pastor over the united congrega- 
tions of Millerstown, Liverpool, and Buffalo. The 
elders who were then elected and ordained, were Wil- 
liam North, John Black, and Joseph Castles. About 
two years after, owing to some dissatisfaction, the 
pastoral relation between Mr. Snowden and the con- 
gregation was dissolved. The congregation was sup- 
plied with the word and ordinances, from this period, 
by Messrs. Hill, Grey, Lochrain, and other appoint- 
ments from the Huntingdon Presbytery, till Novem- 
ber, 1829, when Mr. B. E. Collins, a licentiate of the 
Philadelphia Presbytery, was engaged to preach as 
a supply, which he did until he was installed pastor, 
November 29, 1832. In June, 1830, Thomas Coch- 
ran and Isaac M'Cord, were elected and ordained 
elders of this congregation. In consequence of the 
smallness of the house, the congregation determined 
to erect a new house of worship, in a more central 
part of the town. The building, 45 by 50 feet, was 



MILLERSTOWN CHURCH. 317 

finished and opened for worship, in 1832. Mr. Col- 
lins continued as pastor of this church until April, 
1839, when the pastoral relation was dissolved. The 
congregation was supplied from this time by Messrs. 
Williamson and McDonald, till Kev. George D. 
Porter, who was elected pastor, entered upon his 
duties, November 17, 1844. This church, being 
under the care of the Presbytery of Huntingdon, was 
transferred to the care of the Presbytery of Carlisle, 
by the Synod of Philadelphia, at their meeting held 
in Philadelphia, October, 1845. Mr. Porter was in- 
stalled pastor of this church, September 12, 1846, 
and continued as such until June 10, 1851, when the 
relation was dissolved at an adjourned meeting of 
the Carlisle Presbytery, held in Greencastle, June 
10th, 1851. 

Rev. H. Hanson, who was labouring at Peters- 
burg, Perry Co., being invited by this congregation, 
entered upon his ministerial duties, June 29, 1851. 

The present members of Session are, H. Hanson, 
Mod. ; Elders, Samuel Black, William Kip, W. J. 
Jones, George Rothrock, Jacob Kip, and John 
Shammo. 



LANDISBURG, BLOOMFIELD, AND BUFFALO. 

The churches of Landisburg, Buffalo, and Bloom- 
field, were organized about the year 1823. " For- 

27* 



318 SUPPLEMENT. 

merlj," says the Rev. Mr. Dickey, ^' the Presbyte- 
rians within the bounds of the two former congrega- 
tions, were a part of the Centre Church, then under 
the care of the Rev. John Linn. At what time 
houses of worship were built and a church organized, 
I am unable to say, as I have not access, at present, 
to the sessional records of either church. It was 
probably soon after the death of Mr. Linn. For a 
few years, the churches of Landisburg and Buffalo 
were united with the Centre and Upper Churches, 
and were under the pastoral care of the Rev. James 
M. Omstead. Afterwards, Mr. Omstead having re- 
signed his pastoral charge, a new connexion was 
formed with the Church in Bloomfield, and the present 
pastor was called and installed in 1834. The original 
elders in the Landisburg Church were, Samuel Linn, 
Francis Kelly, John Deven, and James M'Clure. 
Those in the Buffalo Church, were, Charles Elliot, 
Robert Elliot, Andrew Linn, George Baker, Robert 
Irvine, and John Sanderson. Both churches possess 
neat and comfortable houses of worship ; the buildings 
are of frame, and tastefully furnished. The present 
Buffalo Church is a new building, with a belfry and 
bell, and is located in the vicinity of Ickesburg. The 
present elders in Buffalo Church, are, Robert Elliot, 
George Baker, and John M'Kee. In Landisburg, 
James M'Clure, Parkinson Hench, Henry Fetter, and 
John Linn. 

The Bloomfield Church was originally formed out 
of the Ridge Church, about four miles distant, which 



LANDISBURG, BLOOMFIELD, BUFFALO. 319 

has now become extinct. The church was built in 
1834, and is a substantial brick building, with a base- 
ment story for a Sunday-school and Lecture-room. 
The original elders were Wm. M. M'Clure, Jeremiah 
Madden, James M' Chord. The elders at present, 
are, John Campbell, and Finlow M' Cowan. 



Note. — It was our intention to give a running 
sketch of the churches of Thom's Creek and Piney, 
Williamsport and Hancock, and Great Conewago. 
As, however, our volume has already far exceeded, 
in the number of its pages, what was originally de- 
signed, and, especially, as up to a point which admits 
of no delay, we have failed to receive the data which 
are necessary to make such a sketch at all satisfac- 
tory, we are reluctantly obliged to abandon this 
purpose. 



APPENDIX. 



APPENDIX I. 



CALL PROM THE BIG SPRING CONGREGATION TO THE REV. 
SAMUEL WILSON. 

Big Spring, Cumberland County, 

21st March, 1786. 

We, the subscribers of this paper, and members of the ' 
Congregation of Big Spring, do hereby bind and oblige 
ourselves annually to pay Mr. Samuel Wilson, Preacher of 
tbe Gospel, on his being ordained to be our minister, and 
for his discharge of the duties of said office, the sum of one 
hundred and fifty Pounds, Pennsylvania Currency, in specie, 
and allow him the use of the dwelling-house, barn, and all 
the clear land on the glebe, possessed by our former minis- 
ter also plenty of timber for rails and fire-wood, likewise 
a sufficient security for the payment of the above-men- 
tioned sums during his incumbency. As witness our 
hands : — 

Alexander Laughlin, Alexander Thompson, 

John Davidson,. Kannel Blair, 

Robert Shannon, Samuel Finley, 

David Williamson, Samuel Cunningham, 

Thomas Buchanan, John Eawing, 



324 



APPENDIX. 



Robert Bovard, 
Solomon Liglitcap, 
Joseph Pollock, 
James Jack, 
William Dening, 
Andrew Bell, 
John Allison, 
John Bell, 
Robert Patterson, 
David Ralston, 
John M'Geehen, 
Hugh Laughlin, 
John Bell, 
Jeremiah M'Kibbin, 
James G-raham, 
Joseph Partes, 
Charles Leeper, 
George M'Greehen, 
Hugh Patton, 
Margaret M'Kain, 
William Giffin, 
■ William Hodge, 
Alexander M^Geehen, 
William M'Cracken, 
Robert Bell, 
William M'Farland, 
Samuel M'Cormick, 
William Laughlin, 
Thomas Jacobs, 
Andrew Walker, 
John M'Clintock, 
Andrew Thompson, 



James Laughlin, 
Atchison Laughlin^j. 
Robert Hutchison, 
John Mitchell, 
Samuel Mathers, 
Jermon Jacobs, 
John Reed, 
John Hodge, Senr.,- 
William Diuison, 
James Irvine, 
John Brown, 
John O'Neal, 
William Douglass, 
Alexander Officer, 
James Officer, 
Thomas Espey, 
James Gillespie, 
Samuel Hathorn, 
James Johnston, 
Alexand. Lechey, 
Catherine Brown, 
Margaret M'Clure, 
James Armstrong, 
James Stewart,' 
Robert Lusk, 
Andrew M'Elwain, 
Mary M'Elwain, 
James M'Elwain, 
Thomas Alison, 
John Wallace, 
Joseph M^Donnel, 
Robert Gillespie, 



APPENDIX. 



325 



Nathanael Gillespie^ 
Samuel Mitchell, 
John Mitchell, 
Alexander Elliott, 
John Munro, 
John Reed, 
Samuel Fenton, 
Andrew Deniston, 
John M'Farland, 
John Purdy, 
James Brandon, — 
James Shannon, 
Hugh Smith, 
John Shannon, 
Thomas Mathers, 
John Patton, 
John PorterJBeld, 
Jared Graham, 
Margaret M'Farland, 
William Brisbane, 
James M'Farland, 
Richard Woods, — • 
William Nicholson, 
William Stevenson, 
David Ramsey, 
Paul Martin, 
Robert M'Comb, Jun., 
Andrew Bell, 
William Thompson, 
David Sterret, 
Adam Carnahan, 
James M'Guffin, 



L. Work, 
James Carson, 
William Thompson, Jr., 
John Murain, 
Daniel Boyle, 
William Himter, 
Robert Patterson, 
Widow Preaugh, 
James Huston, 
Robert Mickey, Sen., 
Robert Mickey, Jun., 
James Mickey, 
Elizabeth Kilgore, 
William Kilgore, 
Samuel Weaver, 
George Weaver, 
John M'Cune, 
John M'Farland, 
James Johnston, 
Samuel Lindsey, 
Matthew Wilson, 
Samuel Wilson, 
William Lindsey, 
John Wliitin, Jun., 
Elizabeth M^Cullough, 
Thomas Grier, 
Ann Brouster, 
John Lusk, 
David Lusk, 
Alexander M'Bride, 
William Milligan, 
Agnes L'wine, 



28 



326 



APPENDIX. 



James Aumer, 
William Wilson, 
James Wilson, 
Francis Donald, 
George Little, 
James M^Cune, 
John Brown, 
William Hunter, 
Adam Bratton, 
William Walker, 
Joseph Walker, 
Eobert Walker, 
John Carson, 
Isabella M^Cune, 
Patrick M'Farland, 
Abigail Flinn, 
John Coply, 
Patrick Murdock 
Thomas Appleby, 
John Brown, 
' William Adams, 
' William Ferguson, 
• John Graham, 
Berry Kilbourne, 
James Mitchell, 
Thomas Moore, 
Caleb Ardle, 
William Smith, 
James Laughray, 



David Graham, 
William Patton, Jun., 
Joseph Pierce, 
Joseph Hays, 
Matthew Davidson, 
George M'Geehen, 
James M'Geehen, 
Benjamin M^Geehen, 
Jacob Atchison, 
Joseph Van Horn, 
John Robinson, 
John M'Cune, 
Richard Nicholson, 
James Nicholson, 
Samuel M'Elhenny, Jr. 
Samuel M'Elhenny, Sr. 
John Gourril, 
Samuel Morrow, 
John Bell, 
William Carnahan, 
William Bryson, 
Hugh Allen, 
John Sumar, 
John Clark, 
William Clark , 
James Hamilton. 
Hannah Bovard. 
Number of Pew-Holders, 
204. 



327 



APPENDIX II. 



CALL PROM THE CONGREGATIONS OF CARLISLE AND LOWER 
PENNSBOROUGH TO THE REV. JOHN STEEL. 

" Whereas at the union of the congregations of Carlisle 
and Lower Pennsborough in April, 1764, it was agreed that 
each congregation should pay seventy-five pounds to Mr. 
John Steel, our minister, as stipends, yearly and every year 
from time of said union, and said agreement was signed by 
six men of each congregation in the name and behalf of 
said congregations, 

" Now in order to give ease and relief to said six men 
who signed in behalf of the congregation of Lower Penns- 
borough, and at the same time to secure to our said minis- 
ter his yearly stipends, said congregation have this day 
concluded that forty-two men shall give their promissory 
note to said John Steel for his yearly stipends, and that 
said forty-two men shall be a fix'd committee of said con- 
gregation, and have power to regulate seats and order all 
the other affairs of said congregation. 

" Therefore, in consequence of said agreement, and to an- 
swer the above said ends, we the subscribers, with the con- 
sent and by the appointment of said congregation, do offer 
ourselves and accordingly become jointly bound to Mr. 
John Steel, our present minister, to pay him, yearly and 
every year, the sum of seventy-five pounds, good and lawful 



328 



APPENDIX. 



money of Pennsylvania, at or upon the first day of April, in 
every year following the date hereof, including the stipends 
of seventy-five pounds due to our said minister for the year 
past, April, 1768, and what arrears may be due to our said 
minister for the years 1765 and 1766, — all which we bind 
ourselves to pay or cause to be paid unto said John Steel, 
according to the tru'fe intent and meaning of the agreement 
made at the union of said congregations, as witness our 
hands this twentieth and seventh day of June, 1768. 



Moses Star, 
James Crawford, 
Joseph M'Clure, 

Abernethy, 

Andrew Armstrong, 
John Caruthers, 
John M'Teer, 
James M'Curdy, 
William M'Cormick, 
John Carothers, 
James «Nailer, 
James Oliver, 
Samuel Fisher, 
John Dickey, Sen., 
Thomas Donaldson, 
William M'Teer, 
Thomas M'Cormick, 
David Hoge, 
William Orr, 
John Nailer, 
John Trindle, 



William Gray, 
Christopher Quigly, 
Edward Morton, 
Samuel Geddis, 
Andrew Ervin, 
James Caruthers, 
Jonathan Hoge, 
Samuel Huston, 
John Semple, 
John M'Cormick, 
William Trindle, 
Alexander Trindle, 
Hugh Laird, 
Thomas Stewart, 
James M'Teer, 
Patrick Holmes, 
David Bell, 
Nathanael Nelson, 
William Geddis, 
Matthew Loudon. 



329 



APPENDIX III. 



SOME ACCOUNT OP THE SCHISM IN THE PRESBYTERIAN 
CHURCH or THIS COUNTRY, A CENTURY AGO. 

In the beginning of the last century there was a sad 
declension of religion in this country, as there was also 
in Great Britain. Of this there is evidence from vari- 
ous sources. According to the testimony of the Rev. 
Samuel Blair, ^^ a very lamentable ignorance of the es- 
sentials of true practical religion, and of the doctrines re- 
lating thereto, very generally prevailed, in Pennsylvania." 
There was, also, necessity, in 1735, for a solemn injunc- 
tion from the Synod of Philadelphia, to the Presbyteries 
under its jurisdiction, carefully to guard the doors of ad- 
mission to the ministerial office and to church member- 
ship, against unworthy and unfit candidates. 

Such was the state of religion, likewise, in the Congre- 
gational Churches of New England. ''There is," said Dr. 
Increase Mather, in 1721, " a grievous decay of piety in the 
land, and a leaving of her first love, and the beauties of 
holiness are not to be seen as once they were." 

About the year 1732, the work of G'od was signally 
revived. This was the case simultaneously in America, 
England, and Scotland. The first of the gracious visita- 
tions with which this country was blessed, occurred at 
Freehold, New Jersey, under the ministry of the Rev. 

28* 



330 APPENDIX. 

John Tennent. Soon there was a similar manifestation of 
the Spirit^s presence and power, in Lawrence, Hopewell, 
and Am well, three contiguous towns in New Jersey, under 
the ministry of the Rev. John Rowland ; in Newark and 
Elizabethtown ; in Philadelphia, under the ministry of Mr. 
/ Whitefield ) in New Londonderry (Fagg's Manor), in Penn- 
sylvania, under the ministry of the Rev. Samuel Blair; and 
in New Providence, Nottingham, White Clay Creek, Nesha- 
miny, and other places of this region, as well as through- 
out New England. 

That this revival was a* genuine one, is evident, from the 
testimony in its favour of such men as Edwards, Cooper, Col- 
man, and Bellamy, in New England, and the Tennents, Blair^ 
Dickinson, and Davies, in the Presbyterian Church. This 
is evident, also, from the experience of its subjects which 
was in general answerable to the truth, and from its results, 
as exhibited in the external fruits of holiness in the lives 
of the large majority of those, to whom its special influence 
extended. It cannot be denied, indeed, that in some de- 
gree, and in some localities, fanaticism prevailed, and that 
there was an unwarrantable dependence placed upon bodily 
agitations, as evidential of conversion, and that there was 
a harshness and censoriousness, utterly incompatible 
with the spirit of the occasion, manifested by ultraists, 
toward all who would not follow them to their dangerous 
extremes. Equally undeniable is it, however, that the 
genuineness of the great and extensive awakening now re- 
ferred to, is not to be questioned, because of some of the 
evils and irregularities with which it was attended and fol- 
lowed, for from these, perfect exemption cannot be ex- 
pected for any movement, in a world such as this, where 
wheat is being sown as well as tares, and where every light 



APPENDIX. 331 

produces its shadows. Of these errors, there may be spe- 
cified in addition to those already noticed, " a strong 
leaven of enthusiasm, manifesting itself in the regard paid 
to impulses, inspirations, visions, and the pretended power 
of discerning spirits, — and the disregard shown to the 
common rules of ecclesiastical order, by itinerant preachers 
and lay exhorterS; who went into the parishes of settled 
ministers, and without their knowledge, or against their 
wishes, insisted on preaching to the people.'^ 

In relation to this revival, there was, as was to be ex- 
pected from what has been already stated, a wide diffe- 
rence of opinion among the ministers of Synod. Some re- 
garded it as the work of Grod, and were active in furthering 
it, but others, and the more numerous party, withheld from 
it all co-operation, and pronounced it a mere fermentation of 
unsanctified feeling, which could not issue in any good 
results either God-ward or man-ward. As was natural 
amongst persons occupying such opposite stand-points, irri- 
tation arose, both among the ministry and laity. Those 
favourable to the work in progress, viewed all who were 
adverse, to it, as fighting against God, and as having the 
root of their hostility in unrenewed hearts; and those op- 
posed to this work, condemned the terrific style of preach- 
ing employed in its promotion, and accused the more pro- 
minent actors in the movement, of exhibiting a spirit of 
malignant denunciation and misrepresentation, and of 
helping to obscure the true idea of religion, by encouraging 
the belief, that it exists rather in violent excitement and 
rapture than in principle carried into obedience. 

There was, however, another ground of dissension among 
the ministers of the Synod, beside that just noticed. The 
Rev. William Tennent established a classical school at 



332 APPENDIX. 

Neshaminy, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, about twenty 
miles north of Philadelphia. The object of this institution, 
(which afterwards became the celebrated Log College), 
was, to furnish candidates for the ministry an opportunity 
for securing the requisite literary qualifications for this 
oflS.ce, without the inconvenience and expense of becoming 
students of a college in New England or Europe. Back of 
this, however, there was another desideratum aimed at, which 
was this, — that the Presbyterian Church of this country, 
might be able to rely upon a ministry educated at home, 
rather than be under the necessity of receiving ministers 
from foreign lands, who, at that time, to say nothing of the 
chances of imposition which existed, were not, generally, 
even when able to show their credentials, such men as the 
Church could with much hope of benefit, welcome to her 
communion. The competency of Mr. Tennent to conduct 
such a school, so as to accomplish the first of these objects, 
at least, was demonstrated by the very satisfactory exami- 
nation which his son Grilbert, one of his students, sustained 
before the Presbytery of Philadelphia. Notwithstanding 
this proof, however, the Synod resolved, 1738, thatin order 
to prevent the admission of uneducated men into the mi- 
nistry, every candidate for the sacred ofiice, before he was 
taken on trial, should be furnished with a diploma of gra- 
duation from some European or New England college, or 
with a certificate of competent scholarship from a committee 
of Synod. The same year, the Presbytery of New Bruns- 
wick was formed. At the next meeting of Synod, a re- 
monstrance was presented by this Presbytery against this 
resolution, and it was modified so as to express the deter- 
mination of Synod, " that every person who proposes him- 
self to trial, as a candidate for the ministry, and who has 



APPENDIX. 333 

not a diploma, or the usual certificate from a European or 
New England University, shall be examined by the whole 
Synod, or its commission, as to those preparatory studies 
which we generally pass through at college, and if they 
find him qualified, they shall give him a certificate, which 
shall be received by our respective Presbyteries, as equiva- 
lent to a diploma or certificate from the college, &c.'' 
But as thus modified, the resolution was no more accepta- 
ble than in its original form, to those who from the begin- 
ning had resisted it, and therefore a protest was entered 
against it, signed by William Tennent, Senr., Gilbert Ten- 
nent, William Tennent, Jr., Charles Tennent, Samuel Blair, 
and Eleazer Wales. We pretend not to state all the reasons, 
which influenced these ministers in their opposition to the 
action of Synod in this matter, but it is plain that they re- 
garded it as inconsistent with the rights of Presbyteries, as 
calculated, if not intended, to disparage or destroy the Log 
College, and as tending to frustrate their design, in having 
a Presbytery set off in New Jersey chiefly composed of the 
friends of this Institution, which was, to license such men 
as they should deem properly qualified, and to make fervent 
piety the first and principal qualification for the ministry. 
The Presbytery of New Brunswick having, in 1738, in 
contravention of the authority of Synod as expressed in its 
late act, licensed Mr. John Rowland to preach the Grospel, 
when the records of this Presbytery came to be reviewed 
by the Synod, that body declared, by " Si great majority," 
the licensing of Mr. Rowland ^Ho be very disorderly, and 
admonished the said Presbytery to avoid such divisive 
courses for the future, and determined not to admit the said 
Mr. Rowland to be a preacher of the Gospel within our 
bounds, nor to encourage any of our people to accept him 



334 APPENDIX. 

until he submit to such examinations as were appointed by 
this Synod for those that have had a private education. '^ 
In anticipation of this result, the Presbytery came prepared 
with an " Apology for dissenting from two acts or new reli- 
gious laws passed at the last session of the Synod. '^ After- 
wards, in the same year, the New Brunswick Presbytery 
continued to disobey the Synod, and licensed Mr. M^Crea, 
and in 1740, they licensed Mr. William Robinson, and Mr. 
Samuel Finley, having no respect, in either case, to the 
requisition of Synod. 

The effect of this controversy throughout the presbyte- 
ries and congregations of the Church was, of course, disas- 
trous, and hence, in 1740, an effort was made to compro- 
mise the difficulty, by repealing the first act of Synod in 
relation to itinerant preaching, and by so modifying the 
second act in relation to the examination of candidates, as 
to meet the views of the New Brunswick brethren. It was 
also proposed by Mr. Dickinson, that the matter in dispute 
should be referred to some ecclesiastical body in Scotland, 
Ireland, or England, or to the ministers of Boston, xlfter 
this, a member of the New Brunswick Presbytery proposed, 
'■'■ that the Synod might appoint two of their number to be 
present at the examination of candidates for the ministry, 
who, if they found them (the presbyteries), guilty of mal- 
conduct, might accuse them to Synod ; but when it was 
ascertained that an objection of these delegates to the com- 
petency of a candidate would refer the question of his 
licensure to the Synod, the Brunswick brethren declined. 

The failure of these efforts at accommodation, increased 
the unhappy state of feeling which had been growing in 
the Synod and Church, and at this point this feeling was 
greatly aggravated by the reading of formal papers of com- 



APPENDIX. 335 

plaint, by Mr. Gilbert Tennentand Mr. Blair, against their 
brethren, before Synod. The same effect, in a high degree, 
was produced, by Mr. Tennent's famous Nottingham Sermon 
(called so because it was preached at that place), in which 
he describes the body of the ministers of that generation 
as letter-learned Pharisees, plastered hypocrites, having 
the form of godliness, but destitute of its power. The di- 
vision which thus already virtually existed, was consum- 
mated at the meeting of Synod, June 1st, 1741, when a 
protestation, read by the Rev. Robert Cross, and signed 
by twelve ministers, and seven elders, was adopted, to the 
effect, that "the former protesting brethren, whether they 
were the major or minor number, had no right to sit, or to 
be looked upon as the Synod. ^' The day after this rup- 
ture, the Presbytery of New Brunswick held a pro re nata 
meeting in Philadelphia, with four members, and seven 
correspondents, and resolved that in view of what had 
taken place, it was the bounden duty of the exscinded bre- 
thren, to form themselves into distinct presbyteries for carry- 
ing on the government of Christ's Church. This revolu- 
tion led to the attaching Mr. William Tennent, Sen., and 
Richard Treat, to the Presbytery of New Brunswick, and 
the erection of a new Presbytery to be called Londonderry, 
both of which Presbyteries were to meet in the ensuing 
August, at Philadelphia, in the capacity of a Synod. 

After several unsuccessful efforts for reconciliation, at a 
meeting of Synod, in 1743, an overture was presented from 
the Presbytery of New York, proposing that for certain 
reasons, and on certain terms, a reunion should take place 
between the Synod and the ejected members, and all past 
differences be buried in oblivion, but this proposal was una- 
nimously rejected. In 1744, no member of the New 



336 APPENDIX. 

York Presbytery appeared in Synod, and no new effort was 
made to heal the schism. In 1745, a committee was ap- 
pointed to draw np a plan of union. To this plan the New 
York brethren immediately refused to accede. The conse- 
quence was the erection of another Synod, under the name 
of the Synod of New York, which met as a separate and 
independent body, at Elizabethtown, September, 19, 1745. 
In May, 1758, a union was effected between this Synod 
and that of Philadelphia, on a plan devised by committees 
appointed by these respective bodies for this purpose, and 
unanimously agreed to by them. 

Thus, after seventeen years' duration, ended this unhappy 
schism in the Presbyterian Church, — a schism Avhich made 
its influence to be felt throughout the presbyteries and 
congregations, and which, it is scarcely necessary to add, 
was not produced by any diversity of opinion as to doctrine 
or discipline, or the form of church government, but by 
loss of confidence and alienation of feeling, arising from the 
different views entertained of the revival which then pre- 
vailed, and of the place for receiving, and the tribunal for 
testing, literary qualifications of candidates for the minis- 
try. We regret that our statement of the subject must be 
so compendious as to be unsatisfactory, but those who wish 
to examine it thoroughly, can do so by reference to Dr. 
Alexander's ''Log .College,' ' and Dr. Hodge's ''History of 
the Presbyterian Church," from which the facts we have 
presented, have been gleaned. 



337 



APPENDIX IV. 



HISTORY OF THE FRANKLIN COUNTY BIBLE SOCIETY. 

The Franklin County Bible Society was organized at 
Chambersburg, December 12th, 1814, some time before 
the formation of the American Bible Society, 

The first oflficers of this Institution were : — The Rev. 
John McKnight, D.D., President; the Rev. James Hofi"- 
man, and James Riddle, Esq., Vice-Presidents; the Rev. 
John Lind, Secretary ; the Rev. David Elliott, Clerk ; 
John Findlay, Esq., Treasurer; and the Rev. Messrs. 
David Denny, John F. Moeller, John Moodey, Robert 
Kennedy, Mr. James McFarland, Mr. John Colhoun, 
Edward Crawford, William M. Brown, and George Cham- 
bers, Esq'rs, other Managers. 

In pursuance of appointment, the Rev. John Lind de- 
livered a discourse before the Society, at Chambersburg, 
February 17th, 1815 ; and-the Rev. David Elliott, by like 
appointment, rendered the same service, at the same place, 
November 14th, 1815. 

In April, 1816, public attention was invited to the con- 
sideration of the propriety of uniting the friends of the 
Bible cause, and a meeting was desired at New York for 

29 



338 APPENDIX. 

the purpose. This measure was approved . of by the 
Franklin County Bible Society, and on the 11th of April, 
1816, Matthew St. Clair Clarke, Esq., one of its members, 
was appointed a delegate to represent this Society at New 
York. Mr. Clarke fulfilled his appointment, and assisted 
in organizing the American Bible Society, in May, 1816. 

The Franklin County Bible Society was for many years 
very active and efficient in ascertaining and supplying those 
destitute of the Bible, within the limits of Franklin 
County, and still is faithful to the purpose of its existence. 

Of its officers at its organization, but three survive, viz., 
Rev. John Moodey, D.D., Rev. David Elliott, D.D., and 
Judge Chambers. 



THE END. 



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